William Kennedy is a professional jump jockey. He's originally from Co. Kildare in Ireland, where he grew up immersed in horses and racing - his dad Vivian was a jockey and later a trainer (now retired) while his mum Kathleen makes racing silks. 

He has lived in England for nearly nine years, having first come over to work for top trainer Noel Chance. In his second season with Noel, William took out his conditional jockey's licence, and he was champion conditional in 2006.  

William has ridden a number of good horses, including Time For Rupert, who finished second at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010, plus Swincombe Flame, winner of the Lanzarote Hurdle in 2012. William will be sharing his highs and lows from the 2011/2012 National Hunt season with Horse & Country.

Follow him on Twitter @wtkjockey