Kennedy strikes for Murphy Teenage sensation Jack Kennedy provided first-season trainer Olly Murphy with the biggest success of his career as Hunters Call won the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle at Ascot. Kennedy is based with Gordon Elliott, for whom Murphy used to be assistant. Unusually for such a hugely-competitive handicap, there was no great pace on in front and Kennedy knew not to be too far back, always in the perfect position. Coming out of the straight he could be spotted going smoothly, but the favourite Verdana Blue and Willie Mullins' Bleu Et Rouge were making stealthy progress from the rear. Hunters Call nicked a few lengths, though, and the 9-1 chance stayed on strongly to beat Silver Streak by three lengths, with Verdana Blue and Bleu Et Rouge third and fourth respectively. Kennedy said: "It was well worth the trip. It's a great training performance by Olly. "My brother Paddy rode him on his last run in Sligo. He hadn't run for a while, so fair play to Olly, but when the entries came out Paddy was on to me to ring Olly for the ride. "I thought Olly would already have someone for him, so I didn't bother, but when Olly rang me the other morning I was more than happy to come over and ride him. "Olly was always very good. I suppose he's learnt a lot off Gordon and it seems to be showing. "I get on great with Olly, so it's nice to get a big one like that for him." Murphy said: "It's magic. I've been training four months and to have a winner like that is a dream come true. "I'm the name on the front of the door, but I have a big team behind me and and they're fantastic. "I was thinking Jack had hit the front too early. I've grown up with Jack in Gordon's and he hadn't had a ride when I was working there. "For him to ride me a winner like this is magic and hopefully it's the start of things to come." He added: "This was D-day today, I'll enjoy it and worry about the rest of the season tomorrow. I'd imagine we'll look after his mark for one of the Cheltenham handicaps, either the County Hurdle or maybe even the boys' race (Martin Pipe) as he stays very well."
