Jack Kennedy and Funny How© Photo Healy Racing
It seemed only a matter of a bit of time and luck before Jack Kennedy, pony racing star, got off the mark on the racecourse proper. Those that have been backing the young Kerry rider so far, have got many a good run for their money, and that all important first winner arrived at the very tasty odds of 33/1, on Funny How for Pat Flynn, in the Social Package Handicap at Cork.
Pat Flynn's Arakan gelding hadn't much to recommend him on form, but he gelled well with young Kennedy, in the saddle on the outsider for the first time.
The sixteen-year-old brought Funny How with a gradual run down the outer in the straight, leading in the final furlong before holding off Lady Ranger by a head.
Kennedy hails from Dingle, and he's a brother of Paddy, National Hunt rider, attached to the Jessica Harrington yard. He has been with Gordon Elliott for the past three months and was three times Champion Pony Rider with 221 winners.
G.F. Carroll, rider of Jembatt trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran out of room and checked in the closing stages.
L.F. Roche, rider of Enigma Code (UAE), trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount reared leaving the stalls and missed the break.
F.M. Berry, rider of Lady Ranger, trained by Adrian Paul Keatley, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung right throughout.
V.Clifford, trainer of Malicious Intent reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge blew up about 2 furlongs from the finish and may also need an ease in the ground
The Stewards requested a report from Patrick J.Flynn, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Funny How, placed first, as compared with its recent form.
Eoin Norris, Authorised representative of Patrick J. Flynn reported that their charge disappointed at Leopardstown 15th April but failed to handle the very soft ground conditions and was hampered in running whereas today he raced on a quicker surface and got a good run around the outside of the field.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(TW & EM)
