Jack Kennedy '50-50' for Naas Grade 1 ride on Ginto after shoulder issue

Jack Kennedy faces a battle to be fit to ride Ginto in Sunday's Grade 1 Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle (2.10) after hurting his shoulder while riding out on Friday morning.

Kennedy missed his rides at Punchestown on Friday, including a winner on exciting juvenile hurdler Pied Piper, and was described as '50-50' by Gordon Elliott to return in time for this weekend.

Ginto jumps the last en route to landing the Navan Novice HurdleCredit: Caroline Norris

Speaking on Friday, Elliott said: "Jack rode two lots out this morning and a horse jerked and his shoulder is a bit sore. He said he wouldn't ride today. We'll see how he is. Hopefully, he is isn't out for Sunday and he's probably 50-50 to ride."

Kennedy, like Elliott, was in sparkling form over the festive period and landed two Grade 1 wins at Leopardstown on Mighty Potter and Fury Road.

2.10 Naas: Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle racecard and betting

In what was his first week back from suffering a fractured and dislocated shoulder, the 22-year-old jockey was also seen to good effect when runner-up in Grade 1 events on Zanahiyr, Battleoverdoyen and Riviere D'Etel at the Dublin venue.

Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger are the most recent winners of the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle and Ginto is among seven runners seeking to add their name to the illustrious honour roll on Sunday.

Hollow Games: 4-4 under rules and bids for first Grade 1Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The Gordon Elliott-trained youngster, bought for €470,000 after winning on his point-to-point debut, beat classy Christmas winner Eric Bloodaxe when landing a Grade 2 at Navan last time.

Ginto is one of two in the race for owners Bective Stud, also responsible for the exciting Hollow Games.

A winner of bumpers at Punchestown and Leopardstown last season before landing a Down Royal maiden hurdle and Grade 3 novice hurdle at Navan in good style, the £255,000 point-to-point purchase will be ridden by Davy Russell.

Ginto's sole defeat came on his bumper debut at Fairyhouse in January when second to Whatdeawant, who reopposes as Willie Mullins' sole runner in this €85,000 event.

The Sean and Bernardine Mulryan-owned five-year-old made a successful hurdling debut at Navan this month, with Mullins seeking a ninth victory in the Naas feature.

Grand Jury represents the Bob Olinger team of Rachael Blackmore, Henry de Bromhead and owners Robcour and he steps up in trip having won a maiden hurdle over two miles at Punchestown on his return.

Churchstonewarrior, The Little Yank and Angels Dawn, who is turned out six days after finishing third to Eric Bloodaxe at Limerick, complete the field.

Subsequent Grand National hero Rule The World, Punchestown Gold Cup and Irish Gold Cup winner Bellshill and Next Destination and Battleoverdoyen are other notable names to land the race in the past decade.

Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle runners

1 ChurchstonewarriorMark Walsh
2 GintoJack Kennedy
3 Grand JuryRachael Blackmore
4 Hollow GamesDavy Russell
5 The Little YankDanny Mullins
6 WhatdeawantDarragh O'Keeffe
7 Angels DawnBrian Hayes

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