OpinionRichard Forristal
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Jack Kennedy's latest grim misfortune is a massive blow to Gordon Elliott - and there's no Davy Russell to call upon this time

The door is now open for a rider like Sam Ewing to seize the moment - but he can't afford any inhibitions

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Ireland editor
Jack Kennedy: the new champion jump jockey in Ireland
Champion material: injury-plagued Jack Kennedy will be a massive loss to Gordon Elliott over the coming monthsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott invariably sets the pace at this time of year but his lucrative weekend at Fairyhouse was marred by the latest serious injury endured by Jack Kennedy.

The Dingle dynamo has not long turned 25 yet his tibia fracture means he has now broken one or more parts of his legs on six occasions. Given the tibia is weight-bearing, it will be a big ask for him to be back for Cheltenham in March, but it might be just about doable. In the space of eight years, as well as the tibias (two), fibulas (three) and femurs (two), there have also been four collarbone fractures and whatever else.

It's a gruesome catalogue of traumas, yet ten years still haven't passed since Kennedy rode his first winner. Despite his physical fragility and all that time on the sidelines, his inordinate talent has helped him to no fewer than 48 Grade 1 wins. For context, at the same age, Ruby Walsh had amassed 'just' 26.

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Published on inRichard Forristal

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