'It's great to have Jack back' - returning Kennedy records a double

Tuesday: Galway

Few jockeys were in such potent form as Jack Kennedy was prior to fracturing his collarbone at Downpatrick in August and the early championship leader picked up right where he left off on his second day since returning as he completed a Galway double.

Champion Bumper eighth Music Drive, who had mixed with classy sorts such as Redemption Day and Sandor Clegane last season, got the ball rolling for the Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning rider in the opening 2m3f maiden hurdle, the 2-5 favourite making a winning debut over the smaller obstacles.

A brace for 23-year-old Kennedy and trainer Gordon Elliott was then completed when Frontal Assault, runner-up in last season's Irish Grand National, struck in decent style on his comeback in the 2m6½f conditions chase.

"It's great to have Jack back – that's number one," Elliott said.

"Looking at Music Drive in the ring, I thought he looked a bit big and Jack said he'd come on a lot from it," added the trainer. "We're just trying to start a few of them off and they'll come on plenty.

"I'd imagine Frontal Assault will head for something like the Troytown. I thought he'd need the run, but I'd say the race fell apart. I was pleased with what he did, though, and Jack was positive on him.

"Jack is just riding so well at the moment. He came back where he finished off prior to the injury."

Frontal Assault: returned with a win and could now have the Troytown on his agendaCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Cromwell and Donoghue double

Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue also helped themselves to a double at Ballybrit, initiated by the well-backed success of 93-rated Money Heist in a 2m3f handicap hurdle.

A general 11-2 chance overnight having never finished closer than fifth in his opening seven starts under rules, the winner just did enough to open his account as the 5-4 favourite.

Cromwell said: "It didn't look the strongest of races and it's nice to get his head in front. He's in again at Downpatrick on Friday so he may go there."

Grade 1-placed Jeremys Flame, sent off the 9-4 favourite, brought up the second half of the double when digging deep to repel the game Kitty Galore in the 2m2½f feature Guinness Handicap Chase.

Cromwell added: "I was a little bit concerned about the ground, that it might be too soft, but it was fine. She got a little bit close to the second-last but toughed it out well.

"She has a pile of placed black type but has never won one, so I'd love to try to do so with her somewhere. We could look at the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown and the Galway Plate next year is a long-term possibility."

Star shines for Shark

Hallowed Star continued his love affair with Galway when getting off the mark over fences in the 2m2½f beginners' chase for Shark Hanlon, Danny Mullins and owner Annette Mee.

It was the 19-length winner's third success at the western venue as he became one of five winning favourites on the seven-race card, and there was no winner sent off bigger than 5-2.

Results, replays and analysis

Pick up your copy of The Big Jump Off, our brilliant 72-page pullout free in the Racing Post on Monday, October 17 and featuring the views of Tom Segal, Paul Kealy, Patrick Mullins, Ruby Walsh, James Willoughby, Keith Melrose, Chris Cook, Lee Mottershead, David Jennings, Graeme Rodway, Maddy Playle, Dave Orton, Steve Mason, Robbie Wilders and more!