JACK Kennedy was crowned champion jump jockey for the first time at Punchestown on Saturday.

Despite only riding one winner at Punchestown this week, and suspended from riding on the final day, Kennedy went into Saturday with a lead of four winners over Paul Townend, the reigning champion.

Townend won both Grade 1 races on card but his other mounts came up short.

Kennedy said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to have won the championship. Paul got close enough in recent weeks to give me loads of sleepless nights but I’m delighted to have hung on.

"I’ve had a great 12 months, leading the championship for much of the way and riding over 100 winners in a season for the first time in my career.

"There was loads of great days and riding Grade 1 winners in Ireland on such good horses as Gerri Colombe, Teahupoo, Farren Glory, Found A Fifty, Caldwell Potter and Irish Point was very special.

"I can’t thank Gordon (Elliott), all the staff at Cullentra and his owners enough for the support they have given me. Thanks to my agent Kevin O’Ryan for getting me plenty of outside rides and winners this season - I really appreciate the opportunities from those trainers. I also have to give special thanks to Dr Jennifer Pugh, her medical team and my surgeon Paddy Kenny for all their expert medical care and looking after me so well over the last few years.”

From Dingle, Co Kerry, Kennedy turned 25 last month and is eight years younger than six-times champion Townend. He has been based with trainer Gordon Elliott for all of his career to-date. A former pony racing champion, he rode his first Cheltenham winner aged 17 and won the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Minella Indo.

However, Kennedy has also had more than his fair share of injuries. He missed the 2020 and 2023 Festivals through injury and has broken his leg five times.

Patrick Mullins is champion amateur rider for the 16th time and Danny Gilligan is the leading claiming professional. Jody Townend wins a fourth female amateur rider title and the champion owner is J.P. McManus for the 21st time.