Jack Kennedy looks set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines following confirmation he suffered a fractured leg in a fall at Naas on Sunday.
Now very much the number one jockey for Gordon Elliott following the recent retirement of Davy Russell, the 23-year-old was riding for his boss aboard Top Bandit when the pair came to grief at the fourth fence in the Rathmore Stud Irish EBF Novice Chase won by Appreciate It.
Top Bandit was unfortunately fatally injured in the incident and Kennedy was stretchered off the track and transferred to Tallaght Hospital for further assessment.
READ MORE: Horse bred and trained by Irish legend dies after bee attack in India
Elliott said later in the afternoon the injury “didn’t look good” and following X-rays, his agent Kevin O’Ryan has confirmed a fracture has been discovered.
He said: “It looks like it’s a fracture of his lower leg and he’ll go and see a surgeon in a couple of days.
“It’s a big blow, but it could always be worse.”
Supporters of Kennedy will be heartened by the fact he returned to Naas on Monday morning to watch some of Elliott’s youngsters being put through their paces.
However, whether he will be fit to ride at the Cheltenham Festival in just over nine weeks remains to be seen.
When asked how long he felt Kennedy will be on the sidelines for, O’Ryan added: “How long is a piece of string? Everybody heals differently.
“He’ll be doing his damnedest to be back as quickly as possible, but how long that will be, nobody knows.”
READ NEXT:
RTE viewers left with same complaint after Roy Keane appears on Tommy Tiernan Show
Robbie Keane pays tribute after death of Claudine's uncle following hit and run
David Moran has another year in him for Kerry, says Kerins O'Rahillys boss William Harmon
Glen hang on to book All-Ireland final spot with Kilmacud Crokes
Jack Kennedy sent to hospital after nasty fall at Naas sees Top Bandit lose life
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
