'It was a long road back' - Jack Kennedy rides first winner since fifth leg break in January

Jack Kennedy notched his first winner since returning to the saddle after breaking his tibia and fibula in January when the Gordon Elliott-trained I A Connect landed the beginners' chase.

The 24-year-old made his comeback at Cartmel on Sunday, when he took three rides for Gordon Elliott, but it was fourth time lucky as he partnered the McNeill Family-owned eight-year-old to victory by a head.

Kennedy said: "It's brilliant. He probably wants a bit further than that trip so I sent him on a bit early and all he did was stay. He stuck his neck out and battled."

The Kerry native has endured a luckless run with injuries having broken a leg for the fifth time when Top Bandit fell at Naas on January 8. There were hopes he could return at Cheltenham or Aintree but the premier jumps meetings came too soon.

"I had a good blow out at Cartmel on Sunday," said Kennedy. "I started back riding out about six weeks ago and the leg feels good.

"It was a long road back but I didn’t put myself under any pressure once I wasn't back for the spring festivals. I gave it a bit more time and I'm looking forward to getting back now."

Kennedy has ridden a phenomenal 36 winners at the highest level over jumps and will be hoping for a clear run on the injury front, with major summer meetings such as the Galway festival on the horizon.

Good As Hell gains compensation

The Philip Fenton-trained Good As Hell gained some well deserved compensation in the feature 2m1f handicap chase after unseating her rider when well in command at Wexford last month.

The eight-year-old was always up near the pace under Brian Hayes and stormed into the lead after the second last. There was no late drama on this occasion as she produced a smart leap at the final fence to go on and secure victory, eight lengths clear of her nearest rival Jack Holiday.

Fenton said: "That was lovely and we're well-compensated now for the last day. She likes it around here and she enjoys going left-handed. She's a great servant and hopefully she can progress again with a bit of luck.

"We're still learning about her trip and she got it well today. She'll have a mini-break and we hope to turn up at Listowel or places like that next."

Normal services resumed

Paul Townend returned after a 21-day break in his usual form by guiding the Willie Mullins-trained Inclusion to success in the 2m3½f beginners' chase.

The 11-10 favourite recorded a straightforward victory, jumping soundly at the head of affairs and cruising away by 13 lengths from the Eoin Seymour-trained How Decc.

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