Hard-working Grand National champ Russell aiming to end year on a high in Punchestown
This feature was originally published in the Kildare Post's 32-page Punchestown supplement on Thursday April 19. Pick up your copy in stores throughout Kildare to see more great pieces like this.
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On Saturday evening at around 5.25pm Davy Russell entered a parade ring having won a race which was worth £1 million in prize money. On Sunday afternoon at around 2pm he entered another parade ring having won a race worth €14,000 in prize money.
There are no airs and graces about Russell, who remains a consummate professional at the veteran stage of his jockeying career. Having won the English Grand National on Saturday, a Ryanair flight with Michael O’Leary on board waited on the runway for 20 minutes to allow the 38-year-old make it to the plane and return to Ireland. It wasn’t for celebrations – it was to ensure that he was in Tramore to ride the very next day.
“We got back at it in Tramore and it was great to win down there,” Russell told the Kildare Post.
“It’s my local track so it’s nice to get two winners with good support there.”
Russell is on course to be Champion Jockey, and he is currently in the midst of an absolute whirlwind few weeks. Despite all the media attention and constant requests for a minute of his time, the Youghal native is still accommodating with his time and his words. He could be forgiven for taking a couple of days off to bask in the glory and some tranquillity, but he remained in Punchestown until late on Tuesday evening before heading down the M7 towards Cork.
Part of the reason behind that is because of the affection he holds for the track and the festival, and it is a venue he will remember for the rest of his life after next week when he claims the leading jockey title.
“Punchestown is a great week,” he said.
“It really is a huge week in the racing calendar so it ties in well. It’s a fabulous festival and the numbers keep up. The last day is a family day so that adds to it.”
Russell will be in the saddle for a number of different trainers throughout the festival, but knowing exactly what horses he will be on board is still not decided. As always, the Irish weather will have a big say, and where trainer Gordon Elliott aims his horses will be decisive.
“It’s hard to know now – we’re still a couple of days away,” explained Russell.
“It’s hard to know what will get here, but some horses are in great form so I’ll be looking forward to getting a few of them.”
He hasn’t been crowned Irish Champion Jockey since the 2012/13 season, but he has enjoyed the best year of his career this year. A sublime Cheltenham Festival was followed by success in Aintree, but he puts it all down to the men he works with.
“I suppose Gordon and some great connections. Henry [De Bromhead] has been very good to me, and Philip Reynolds and Chris Jones – they’ve just got talent everywhere really.”