Whether through bravery or naivety, it seems often to be the young who attempt the extraordinary in sport – and that was certainly true at Thurles Racecourse on Thursday.
Just watch the incredible acrobatics 17-year-old rider Jack Kennedy performed to keep himself falling from his horse.
How about this from Jack Kennedy at @thurlesraces! pic.twitter.com/MhxkQN0ht8
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 19, 2017
After his horse Bilko seemed to fail to jump altogether, the young Irishman from County Kerry seemed sure to be thrown from his saddle. However, with Bilko still at full tilt, Kennedy hung on and managed to reseat himself after a seemingly absurd amount of time horizontal on his horse.Bystanders were – it’s fair to say – impressed.
Worth the entrance fee alone to watch Jack Kennedy's recovery on Bilko in the last there. What a man! #Thurles
— Ross Thompson (@rustyltfc) January 19, 2017
Amazing, absolutely amazing. Jack Kennedy must have been a Cossack in a previous life ??… https://t.co/XNFIeeBKmT
— lay selections… (@layselections) January 19, 2017
What a recovery from Jack Kennedy ????
— Johnny (@JohnnyFurey) January 19, 2017
Kennedy is something of a rising star in racing, having bagged an unlikely win at the Lexus Chase in Leopardstown last month against strong and seasoned opposition.
That recovery from Jack Kennedy on Bilko is the best I have EVER seen…astonishing! Is there anything this fella cannot do?
— David Jennings (@DavidJenningsRP) January 19, 2017
We’re not sure David, but with more than 100 career wins under his belt already we reckon he’s certainly one to keep watching.