If you were looking for a bit of midweek magic, the “Home of Irish Jump Racing” was the only place to be this Wednesday. We’re talking grit, we’re talking mud, and we’re talking about the man of the hour—Michael Kenneally.
Fresh off an “insane” 219/1 treble at Fairyhouse just yesterday, the former electrician turned jump-racing sensation proved he’s still got the midas touch, landing a clinical double at Punchestown.
James The Brave: Living Up to the Name
The first leg of the double came in the ThatPrizeGuy.co.uk Novice Handicap Hurdle. Wearing the Red Strand Syndicate silks (think vibrant red with white stars), James The Brave looked every bit the 6/4 favorite.
It wasn’t a “sit back and relax” kind of win, though. After a disappointing “P” at Limerick in December, Padraig Butler’s 6-year-old had to dig deep. He went toe-to-toe with the veteran Lough Nigara in a grueling finish over the 2m 3f trip. Under a masterclass of a ride from Kenneally, utilizing that invaluable 7lb claim, James found just enough to hold on by a neck.
The Verdict: Pure bravery. He looked beat twice in the final furlong, but Kenneally’s energy in the saddle is currently unmatched.
The Double: Pebble Bleu Shines
Not content with just one trip to the winner’s enclosure, Kenneally struck again in the finale, the ThatPrizeGuy.co.uk Mares Handicap Hurdle.
This time, he was aboard Pebble Bleu (9/4 favorite) for trainer Colin Motherway. In a race where stamina was key on the soft-to-heavy ground, Kenneally timed his run to perfection, pulling 3.5 lengths clear of Slotty Dotty. It’s official: if Michael Kenneally is on a favorite right now, you might want to pay attention.
Why the “Shenanigans”?
The real story here is the “Kenneally Comeback.” For those who don’t know the back-page drama, Michael actually quit the sport for years to work as an electrician. Coming back to the weighing room is hard enough, but to be sitting on a “lost claim” and still dominating at the Dublin Racing Festival and Punchestown? That’s some serious spark.
Between Padraig Butler’s clever placement of his string and Kenneally’s red-hot form, the Red Strand Syndicate looks like they’re in for a very fun spring.
What’s next for the Brave? With that win under his belt, James The Brave is likely to see a significant hike in the weights.
Silks and Shenanigans 