Wudya and Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
On his first ride in over two-months, Jack Kennedy made a winning return aboard Gordon Elliott s Wudya (11/4f) in the Europe Hotel & Resort Mares Maiden Hurdle.
In a field decimated by non-runners, the Philip Reynolds-owned victor raced in a share of the lead early on, gaining an outright advantage after the third.
Despite jumping to her right at times, the Califet bay had all her rivals off the bridle from three out and increased her lead in between the final two flights, eventually coming home eight-lengths to the good in first time cheekpieces.
The John Ryan-trained Kate Knows Best (13/2) filled the runner-up spot under Danny Mullins, while Lucky Viv (13/2) was another four-lengths away in third.
"That was good - there wasn't a lot of pace but it worked out well. I tried to get her settled in second but she was trying to do more, as we were going so steady. I let her on, she settled in front and got an easy enough lead," Kennedy, who was crowned champion jockey for the first time at Punchestown in May, reflected.
"The horse inside me went right at the first hurdle and being left in front, she was idle and went right most of the way afterwards, as you are always turning. It was great to get that as she had been knocking on the door."
Regarding his own return to action, he added: "I having been coming and going, I was away in America for a while and had been tipping away in the gym, trying to keep ticking over.
"My foot was a bit battered and bruised in Punchestown but I was ok after two weeks and then obviously had the suspensions. It wasn't ideal but it was nice to get a break without having a broken leg or injury.
"Last year I had a clean run at it until the week before Punchestown so hopefully I can keep it going. Today was brilliant and it was nice to get this first one here (at his local track)."
STEWARDS REPORT
Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Confidential Gosip reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her charge scoped dirty post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
