Former WA jockey Ben Kennedy has been travelling interstate for some months now but seems to have found his niche in North Queensland, riding winners at three race meetings since arriving in the region.
Kennedy was never short of ability in the saddle and rode multiple stakes winners in a successful WA career but was sidelined with an 18-month disqualification for substituting a urine sample more than four years ago.
He left the industry in favour of manual labour work, but the itch returned and he made a return to race riding in Victoria earlier this year.
Shifting his attention to Northern Queensland, the 33-year-old wasted no time in impacting the local scene by saluting at Bowen on June 21.
He followed that with a double at Home Hill the following Saturday and then a treble at his new stamping ground of Townsville.
Kennedy has linked with top area trainer Tom Button, who has also recently relocated to Townsville.
“We just slotted into the system quite well,” Kennedy said of his new move.
“Townsville gives me probably a lot more back-home vibes.
“Everyone’s a bit more laid back, whereas Melbourne was very competitive head-to-head, dog-eat-dog, so to speak.
“So, coming here, everything’s just a bit more relaxed, it fits my personality a bit nicer.
“I like my fishing; I like my golfing. There’s a few of the boys around that seem to be into that, which has been a welcome change.
“I spoke to Tommy about it and said we would give it a go for a month and see how it goes, but we have settled in well so far and it’s been a good match.
“The way it’s looking, we’re looking at hanging around for a bit.
“I had a good book of rides on the weekend and hopefully that stamps my name in North Queensland.”
Button praised the efforts of Kennedy, saying he has been an important addition to the stable for his hard work and riding skills.
+ Leading Perth trainer Adam Durrant has been issued with fines totalling $11,000 for presenting both Fulmine on November 19 last year and Fancy Red on February 7 to race with prohibited substance dexamethasone in their systems.
Both horses won their respective races and were subsequently disqualified despite stewards reporting that the tested levels were in the lower range.
Durrant’s treatment record book showed that dexamethasone was said to have been present by use of a nebuliser and officials recommended a greater period of withdrawal time of the drug prior to racing.
The fine for Fulmine was $7000 while the Fancy Red citation was just $4000 given delays in reporting of the initial charge, therefore Durrant did not have the chance to adjust his treatment regime.
