Hold on for a second, how?
Robin Des Mana, take a bow. Jack Kennedy, take a bow. The 18-year-old Kerryman performed one of the rides of the year in the 2.35 race in Clonmel on Thursday afternoon.
Gordon Elliot’s six-year-old went off a 7-2 shot in the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Only 90 Euros Beginners Chase, but after his mistake at the fourth fence of the race, he could easily have been 100/1 in the betting in running odds.
With the horse leading the pack into the fourth fence, he was slow to jump, and sent the teenage prodigy bucking seemingly towards the ground.
Most other jockeys would have unseated.
Kennedy displayed ridiculous handling skills, power and a considerable amount of bravery and grit to eventually get back in the saddle some 60 metres later. He used the aid of another horse in the race to push himself back on board.
Absolutely unbelievable! @jackkennedy15 @ClonmelR pic.twitter.com/lCuA0YXAac
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 7, 2017
The horse somehow went onto win the race.
A notably modest Jack Kennedy explains just how.
“I just got in underneath it (the fence). It hit me up into the arse and shot me out of the saddle. It was a little bit embarrassing to get thrown out of the saddle as it was, so I said I’d better stay on him anyway.
“I don’t know how I held onto him to be honest, I suppose he stayed straight which was a big help,” said the Kingdom star.
“It’s a bit of a blur, but it worked out well anyway…I’d have hated to have been the one to ruin it (the horse’s progress)
No wonder he's smiling! @jackkennedy15 @ClonmelR pic.twitter.com/6UKmPRPdS9
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 7, 2017
What a talent, what a man, what a ride.
If you had money on, you owe this man a pint.
Jack Kennedy on Robin Des Mana there pic.twitter.com/WWAO37Wnj2
— Coral (@Coral) December 7, 2017
Some recovery by Jack Kennedy @ClonmelR pic.twitter.com/sS84TJ1z7N
— The Irish Field (@TheIrishField) December 7, 2017
My good god…. Just give Jack Kennedy ride of the year right now! That was absolutely unbelievable 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Shane Mac (@BojanglesDMouse) December 7, 2017
