Davy Russell has been backed from 9/2 into 10/3 for top jockey title after Jack Kennedy's injury
Half-an-hour after feeling the high of winning the Irish Gold Cup with Delta Work, Jack Kennedy’s world came tumbling down when taking a nasty fall on Dallon Des Pictons at Leopardstown yesterday.
It was confirmed last night he had broken his leg, and now faces a lengthy spell on the side-lines.
The twenty-year-old broke his collarbone in October last year, and he was arguably riding as well as he ever has been since his comeback.
He has had tough luck with injuries over the years and this is yet another cruel blow to the Irishman.
Sadly, this injury means he is almost certain to miss the Cheltenham Festival and therefore plenty of his big rides are up for grabs.
This had a big impact in the top jockey market for Cheltenham, with punters quick to be looking for value elsewhere.
Davy Russell looks like he will pick up plenty of Jack’s rides at the Festival, and has duly been backed to win the title.
He has received 35% of bets placed on the market in the last 24 hours, which has caused his price to have been shortened.
He was 9/2 yesterday but has been cut into 10/3 since, with punters backing the Cheltenham master to continue his fine record there. Barring last year, he had ridden at least one winner at every Cheltenham since his first winner on Native Jack in the cross-country back in 2006.
Davy is one of the finest pilots in the game and now looks to have a very good set of rides for the four day extravaganza.
Rachel Blackmore has also shortened, with one bookmaker making her 5/1, having been 8/1 just two weeks ago.
She is riding out of her skin at the moment and will be booked on some strong favourites during the week.
Paul Townend remains the 15/8 favourite to win the title, with Barry Geraghty rated an 11/2 chance. Nico De Boinville is the only Englishman near the top of the market, who is available at 10/1.
