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Punchestown 2024
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Donal Murphy
Three for Kennedy & Lieutenant Highway
Lieutenant Highway and Jack Kennedy
© Photo Healy Racing
Earlier successful on Rebel Rose and Tullypole Annie Jack Kennedy completed a quick treble aboard Lieutenant Highway in the Brewin Dolphin Rated Novice Hurdle.
Sent off the 6/4 favourite, the Gordon Elliott trained son of Fame And Glory was completing a treble of his own, having won on his previous two starts at Clonmel and Downpatrick respectively.
Soon in front, the Michael Hanrahan owned five-year-old made virtually all. Briefly joined from three out, he went on again after the next and came home nine lengths clear of Great Realisation (7/2) in second. Ballybaun Star (10/1) and Spick And Span (7/4) were still travelling nicely behind the leaders when they both fell independently at the second last.
Kennedy, still limping after a heavy fall at Tipperary on Sunday, said: "He's improving and he's a different horse to when I won on him at Clonmel. He used to be a bit quirky but he's a lot more relaxed now and the penny seems to have dropped.
"The cheekpieces are just helping him to concentrate and his jumping is improving, although he jumps better in behind horses at home.
"Two miles is probably far enough for him at this stage. When he settles down fully he can go a bit further."
Of his treble he added: "To have days like that you'll go through any pain!"
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Spick And Span trained by Aidan Anthony Howard was noted to have blood at both nostrils possibly as a result of her fall.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan