National build-up: Mullins' win opens gates for teenagers
Now two other teenage tyros are bidding to repeat the feat. Ireland’s Jack Kennedy, who turns 18 on April 22, has been booked to ride Roi Des Francs for trainer Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud, who were last year’s victorious owners.
Kennedy shot to prominence when the temperamental Labaik won the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle at last month’s Cheltenham Festival after consenting to start – no mean feat.
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Hide AdMeanwhile, Britain’s champion conditional-elect Harry Cobden, 18, is due to ride Just A Par, one of five runners in the big race for champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Ironically the horse won last month’s veterans’ race at Newbury.