secured his first success since returning from injury as Grimaud triumphed at
on Saturday.
The 25-year-old broke his leg for a sixth time in a fall at Fairyhouse in late November, but was back in the saddle at Fairyhouse on Monday after winning his race to be fit for next week’s Cheltenham Festival.
was out of luck with his two initial rides and again at Thurles on Thursday, although all three mounts were placed.
Teaming up with Grimaud in the Golf Classics At Gowran Park Maiden Hurdle,
regained the winning thread as the Gordon Elliott-trained 8-13 favourite prevailed by four lengths – the gelding’s first win over obstacles.
Kennedy said: “It’s nice to get a winner before next week.
“He had the form to do that and it’s nice for him to get off the mark.”
Kennedy has a strong book of rides to look forward to at Cheltenham, headed by Brighterdaysahead in Tuesday’s Unibet Champion Hurdle and defending champion Teahupoo in Thursday’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle.