Jack Kennedy plays down high praise from Ruby Walsh

Top jockey Jack Kennedy has played down praise from Ruby Walsh, after the most successful jockey in Cheltenham Festival history described him as having “one of the greatest minds in sport”.

The injury plagued 26-year-old missed the final two days of last year’s Festival after issues relating to breaking his leg for the sixth time in November 2024 resurfaced but is at the top of his game this year with an enviable book of rides for March.

Last month Walsh, who rode a record 59 winners at the Cheltenham Festival during his career, eulogised over Kennedy’s ability to return from injury with a winner’s mindset and said: “He keeps putting it behind him and coming back. He’s ridden down to those fences like a fella who has never had a fall in his life. His strength of mind – I marvel at it."

Speaking today at Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House yard in County Meath, during a media event hosted by The Jockey Club, Kennedy was asked about the comments.

He said: “It’s lovely to hear someone like Ruby saying things like that about you. It’s nice.

“I’m very lucky to be in the position that I’m in. I’ve come back and I get to ride very good horses so that’s a help. I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else, so it makes it easier coming back.

“The first few days after it happens you’re a bit down but once a few days go by you won’t be long until you brighten back up and trying to get back as soon as possible.”

Asked if fear ever enters his mind, he added: “So far no, but I suppose if there is a day comes when that does happen it’s probably time to pack it in. But thankfully nothing has happened yet.”

Kennedy has 11 wins under his belt at The Festival and lots of opportunities to add to that Cheltenham CV next month.

Asked what a difference it makes going into this year’s Festival fully fit, he said: “It’s massive. Obviously, there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then but hopefully we can stay in one piece. It’s definitely better than when I was going into it last year so hopefully it’ll stay that way.

“We’re very lucky that we have a lot of nice horses - Brighterdaysahead, Romeo Coolio, El Cairos, Teahupoo.

“Romeo Coolio gives you a lovely feel. He’s very athletic and is just a good horse. I know by just sitting on him that he’s above average.

“I’m in a very lucky position that I have the privilege to have the pick of these horses – I’m just happy to be riding them wherever they go.”

Asked to describe the feeling of riding a Cheltenham Festival winner, he said: “It’s in a different league. You grow up dreaming of riding winners there and thankfully I’ve been lucky enough to experience it a few times.

“As soon as you get one you just want more. It’s different to anywhere else.”

Trainer Gordon Elliott added: “Jack’s going in full of confidence this year and riding winners every day of the week. He was battling but he didn’t get back last year so for him it must be good.

“Even talking to him you realise what sort of person he is but when you see Ruby giving him the sort of credit he’s giving him I don’t need to say anything. He’s a warrior.”

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