JACK Kennedy virtually sealed the jump jockeys’ championship by riding the first winner at Kilbeggan on Friday evening, his 100th success of the season.

The Kerryman, who was champion for the first time two years ago, was six winners ahead of nearest rival Darragh O’Keeffe following the success of Master Haku at Kilbeggan. Reigning champion Paul Townend lies in third place on 83 winners. Kennedy looked to have the stronger book of rides at Kilbeggan.

Kennedy has ridden 11 Grade 1 winners this season while O’Keeffe has by far exceeded his previous best tally of 62 winners and his total already includes three three Grade 1 victories.

The battle for the champion conditional jockey title is even tighter with just three winners separating Wexford rider Eoin Staples and Michael Kenneally from Cork, the score 33-30.

Staples’ association with the Gavin Cromwell team yielded the most memorable moment of his career to date when he won the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on Now Is The Hour in January.

Kenneally, meanwhile, only turned conditional in September and has sourced his success from a wide variety of trainers, including Denis Hogan who legged him up on Cousin Kate for a winner at the Dublin Racing Festival.

In theory the trainers’ title is all to play for, as Gordon Elliott leads Willie Mullins by over €150,000. However, Elliott has been quick to play down his chances of denying Mullins a 20th title. Over the past 10 years, Mullins has averaged more than 14 winners at the Punchestown Festival.

J.P. McManus is virtually assured of being champion owner for the 23rd time, while Patrick Mullins is home and hosed in the amateur riders’ championship, which he wins for the 18th time. Jody Townend is poised to be crowned leading female amateur rider for the sixth year running.