Kennedy crowned after nervous wait

Willie Mullins adds two more Grade 1 victories

Jack Kennedy survived having to sit out the final day of the season through suspension to claim his first jockeys’ championship.

Paul Townend had topped the table for the past five years but went into the last afternoon of the Punchestown Festival trailing 123119, with five booked rides left to turn things around.

His task was made even harder when opening mount Klarc Kent was pulled up and a smooth success for Lossiemouth only delayed matters, before Glengouly was another Townend ride which failed to complete the course.

Townend closed the gap to two when scoring on Kargese but was out of luck on his final mount Olympic Man. Kennedy, who has struck up a formidable partnership with trainer Gordon Elliott, said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to have won the championship.

“Paul got close enough in recent weeks to give me loads of sleepless nights but I’m delighted to have hung on. I’ve had a great 12 months, leading the championship for much of the way and riding over 100 winners in a season for the first time in my career.

“A massive thanks to Gordon and all the owners, all the staff in Gordon’s and all the trainers that have supported me this year, my agent Kevin O’Ryan and everyone behind me. Without my family, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Willie Mullins, meanwhile, continued his dominance of the trainers’ championship, coming out on top for the 18th time and adding to his memorable title triumph in Britain.

Mullins also extended his record haul of Grade 1 wins in a season to 39 after Kargese came with a flying finish to claim the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle.

The Closutton maestro had already struck with Lossiemouth earlier on in the day and Townend produced this 9/4 favourite with a perfectly timed run to add another.

“The horses have been in some order from around November-time,” said Mullins. “They’ve just been so healthy and even this week, some of them have been putting in their best performances. When you have a healthy horse, they can keep on improving the whole season through.”

Champion owner JP McManus said: “It’s such a great honour to win this title and I feel so lucky. My sincere thanks to all the trainers, jockeys, stable staff and all who contributed so much to my success.

“I have had wonderful days out with my family, grandchildren and friends and the season has given me memories which I will greatly treasure.”