The incident occurred at Down Royal racecourse in Northern Ireland on October 31, 2025, during the final race of the day, a hurdle event that descended into remarkable chaos at the last flight.
Jack Kennedy, one of Ireland’s leading jump jockeys and a multiple-time champion, was riding the strong favorite Theflyingking for trainer Gordon Elliott. The seven-runner contest appeared to be heading for a straightforward victory as the field approached the final obstacle. Kennedy’s mount was traveling powerfully and looked set to win comfortably at odds-on.
However, disaster struck when Theflyingking made a severe mistake at the last hurdle, unseating Kennedy. In the mayhem, another horse—reportedly a stablemate or competitor—also fell or was brought down in the incident, leading to further disruption. Amid the confusion, some horses were hampered or retired from the race due to the pile-up or related issues.
In a move that stunned onlookers and officials, Kennedy quickly remounted his fallen horse and attempted to continue. He urged Theflyingking forward in an effort to rejoin the race. This action, however, is strictly prohibited under modern racing rules. Remounting after a fall has been banned for safety reasons in most jurisdictions, including under Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) guidelines, to prevent injury to horse, rider, or others.
Despite Kennedy’s efforts, the race was won by an outsider from the Henry de Bromhead stable, Some Song, who capitalized on the chaos to cross the line first. The winner was widely reported at staggering in-running odds of 999-1 on betting exchanges at one point during the drama, though settled odds were more modest (around 7/2 in some accounts, highlighting how sensational headlines can amplify figures). The massive shift underscored how dramatically the contest flipped.
Racing stewards immediately inquired into the incident. Kennedy’s decision to remount drew sharp criticism, as it violated clear regulations designed to prioritize welfare and fairness. Commentators noted that such a breach is rare in contemporary racing, with one observer quoted as saying, “I don’t think this has EVER happened,” emphasizing the unprecedented nature of a top jockey attempting to continue after being unseated in such a high-profile manner.
As a result, Kennedy faced disciplinary action. He was handed a suspension—reported as a ban for the remounting offense—along with potential additional penalties. The exact length of the ban was pending full confirmation from the IHRB, but reports indicated it would sideline him for a period, impacting his relentless pursuit of the Irish jockeys’ championship title. Trainer Gordon Elliott’s yard also came under scrutiny given the involvement of multiple horses in the incident.
The event sparked widespread debate in the racing community. Supporters of Kennedy argued the split-second decision stemmed from competitive instinct in the heat of the moment, especially with a favored horse involved. Critics, however, stressed that rules exist for good reason: remounting risks exacerbating injuries or causing further accidents. Safety protocols have evolved significantly since older eras when such actions were occasionally tolerated.
This was not Kennedy’s first brush with suspension. The jockey, known for his aggressive and successful style, had previously served bans related to whip use, including multiple instances in 2024 at Punchestown where he exceeded permitted strikes. Those earlier penalties highlighted ongoing scrutiny of his riding techniques, though he has remained one of the most talented and prolific riders in Ireland, often riding winners for top stables like Elliott’s.
The Down Royal finale added a bizarre chapter to Kennedy’s career. Videos and replays circulated quickly online, showing the fall, the remount attempt, and the unlikely winner scampering clear. Pundits on Racing TV and other outlets expressed astonishment, with one host noting the sheer improbability of the sequence. Punters who backed the longshot celebrated windfalls, while those on the favorite lamented the freakish turn.
Broader implications for racing rules surfaced. The incident reinforced why remounting remains forbidden—unlike in some equestrian disciplines or historical contexts—and prompted discussions on whether penalties should be harsher for high-profile breaches to deter future attempts.
Kennedy, resilient after multiple leg fractures in recent years (including a sixth break in late 2024), has a history of bouncing back strongly. His return from injuries has often seen him dominate meetings, as evidenced by four-timer feats at Fairyhouse. Whether this latest ban affects his momentum remains to be seen, but the episode serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between determination and rule-breaking in one of the world’s most demanding sports.
The racing world now awaits the official outcome of any appeals or further hearings. For now, the Down Royal chaos stands as one of the most talked-about moments of the 2025 jumps season—a race where expectation turned to mayhem, a favorite fell, a jockey remounted against the rules, and a 999-1 shot (in spirit if not exact payout) stole the show. 3
