Jockey Jack Kennedy hoping for multiple wins in Wexford to help with Jockey Championship

The Wexford races are back this Thursday…

Top jockey Jack Kennedy heads to Wexford Racecourse on Thursday for five rides as he aims to build a healthy advantage in the Irish Jockeys’ Championship race.

Kennedy currently holds a six-race advantage over rival Paul Townend in the standings heading to Wexford, with 121 wins to Townend’s 116 and the battle set to go right down to the wire.

Kennedy, who is chasing his first championship title, has a couple of very live chances at Wexford on Thursday, starting with Gina Moon in the opener, a current 10/1 chance with BoyleSports in the opener at 4.05.

Kennedy rides 11/4 third favourite Themanintheboots at 4.40 and then goes up against title rival Townend in the 5.15 handicap hurdle, with Kennedy taking the ride on fourth favourite Bestaline while Townend has a rare outside ride, onboard Mick Charlie for trainer Declan Queally.

Kenendy rounds off his meeting with rides on Sea Aster (6.22) and Cavalry Master (6.52) in the penultimate race on the card.

Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Punchestown odds, Kennedy spoke of his desire to win the title, with Wexford’s meeting going a long way to help decide where the championship ends up.

“It is going to be very tight. Paul Townend will be very strong at Punchestown with the ammunition that he has through Willie . It will be very tough but I will not give up without a good fight. I will throw everything at it.
“It would mean the world to win the title for the first time after the things I’ve been through. It is something everybody wants to do. It would be a dream come true from when I was a young boy.
“I can’t say who is going to be favourite. I am hoping I will be able to hold off Paul but it will be a close run thing. The season ends on May 4, so if I can go into Punchestown with a lead of say eight or ten then I think I will have a chance.
“I’d say 130-135 winners will do it – I am not going to die wondering, that’s for certain. I am going for it.”

For more information about the Wexford races, you can read our tips and preview here.