Kennedy returns from injury with Tipperary winner

Jack Kennedy returned from serious leg injury with a first winner in six months today, steering I A Connect to win Tipperary's appropriately titled Equuip - A Leg Up For Thoroughbred People Beginners Chase.

Kennedy was leading the Jockeys' Championship when fracturing his right tibia and fibula in a heavy fall at Naas on January 5 and having missed the Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown festivals, returned to action with three unsuccessful rides at Cartmel on Sunday.

The Gold Cup winner today showed all his old ability on the Gordon Elliott-trained I A Connect (4/1), improving him to lead rounding the home-turn and riding with strength to hold runner-up Walnut Beach by a head.

Kennedy received a warm reception and commented “that was brilliant and I'm delighted. He pecked a bit at the back of second-last but he stays and probably wants further than that. I sent him on early as all he does is stay and to be fair to him he stuck his head out and battled.”

Kennedy, whose previous winner was Harmonya Maker on January 1, added “I'm better today than I thought and had a good blowout at Cartmel on Sunday.

“I started back riding out six weeks ago, had three rides at Cartmel and have three today. Touch wood, the leg feels good.

“I didn't put myself under any pressure to be back for the spring festivals, gave it more time then and I'm looking forward to Galway now.”