Jack Kennedy has opted to ride the pre-race favourite Conflated in Wednesday's Guinness Kerry National at Listowel.
The Kerry rider has returned from injury just in time for the biggest race of the year at his local track. Cheltenham Gold Cup winning jockey Kennedy will be aiming to win the Kerry National for the first time.
It’s a high-class renewal with 13 of the 18 runners rated 140 or more and while jump racing’s big guns are strongly represented in one of the season’s most storied races.
Kennedy’s mount Conflated is trained by the recently returned and in-form Gordon Elliott. He was one of Ireland’s best novice chasers last season, winning the Grade 3 Bar One Racing Directors Plate at Naas before finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.
Conflated is one of four in the race for Elliott whose contingent also includes Farclas, a talented grey having first run since a terrific fifth in last April’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins, who won the race last year with Cabaret Queen, will saddle Brahma Bull, Annamix and Koshari.
While 2018 winner, Snow Falcon, returns for more under Sean Flanagan for Noel Meade. Aine O’Connor picks up a choice ride on Shady Operator, one of seven in the race for champion owner JP McManus.
