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{{short description|Irish National Hunt jockey|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Short description|Irish National Hunt jockey|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}

{{Infobox horseracing personality
{{Infobox horseracing personality
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'''Davy Russell''' (born 27 June 1979<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.goracing.ie/racing-statistics/jockeys/data/?jid=1365|title=Jockey Data|website=www.goracing.ie|access-date=2019-04-07}}</ref>) is an Irish [[National Hunt racing|National Hunt]] jockey. He has been [[Irish jump racing Champion Jockey]] three times, and has won the [[Grand National]] (twice), the [[Cheltenham Gold Cup]] and the [[Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris]].
'''Davy Russell''' (born 27 June 1979)<ref name=HRI>{{cite web|url=https://www.hri.ie/statistics/jockey/data/?jid=1365|title=Davy Russell|work=[[Horse Racing Ireland]]|access-date=11 September 2023}}</ref> is an Irish retired [[National Hunt racing|National Hunt]] jockey. He was [[Irish jump racing Champion Jockey]] three times, and won the [[Grand National]] (twice), the [[Cheltenham Gold Cup]] and the [[Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris]].


==Childhood and amateur career==
==Childhood and amateur career==


Russell was born David Niall Russell, the second youngest of six children, and raised on the farm of his parents Jerry and Phyllis Russell in [[Youghal]], County Cork, Ireland
Russell was born David Niall Russell, the second youngest of six children, and raised on the farm of his parents Jerry and Phyllis Russell in [[Youghal]], County Cork, Ireland
. His father owned a few racehorses and the family walked puppies for the local hunt. As a child Russell’s passions were riding his pony, [[hurling]], and helping his father with his horses.<ref name="Kimmage">{{cite news|last1=Kimmage|first1=Paul|title=That fear is always there|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/that-fear-is-always-there-29859228.html|access-date=15 April 2018|work=Independent.ie|date=22 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="Armytage">{{cite news|last1=Armytage|first1=Marcus|title=Davy Russell looking to continue Cheltenham Festival winning streak|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/racing/2018/03/04/davy-russell-looking-continue-cheltenham-festival-winning-streak/
. His father owned a few racehorses and the family walked puppies for the local hunt. As a child Russell’s passions were riding his pony, [[hurling]], and helping his father with his horses.<ref name=Kimmage>{{cite news|last1=Kimmage|first1=Paul|title=That fear is always there|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/that-fear-is-always-there-29859228.html|work=[[Irish Independent]]|date=22 December 2013}}</ref><ref name=Armytage>{{cite news|last1=Armytage|first1=Marcus|title=Davy Russell looking to continue Cheltenham Festival winning streak|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/racing/2018/03/04/davy-russell-looking-continue-cheltenham-festival-winning-streak/|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=4 March 2018}}</ref>
|access-date=15 April 2018|work=The Telegraph|date=4 March 2018}}</ref>


Russell rode for four years as an amateur in [[Point-to-point (steeplechase)|point-to-points]] in Ireland, winning his first race in February 1999. During this period he also went hunting and worked in a fish factory.<ref name="Kimmage"/><ref name="Armytage"/><ref name="Coughlan">{{cite news|last1=Coughlan|first1=Dave|title=Inside Davy Russell: a day in the life of a Gold Cup winning jockey|url=https://www.buzz.ie/sport/inside-davy-russell-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-gold-cup-winning-jockey-64073
Russell rode for four years as an amateur in [[Point-to-point (steeplechase)|point-to-points]] in Ireland, winning his first race in February 1999. During this period he also went hunting and worked in a fish factory.<ref name=Kimmage/><ref name=Armytage/><ref name=Coughlan>{{cite news|last1=Coughlan|first1=Dave|title=Inside Davy Russell: a day in the life of a Gold Cup winning jockey|url=https://www.buzz.ie/sport/inside-davy-russell-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-gold-cup-winning-jockey-64073|work=[[Irish Daily Star|Buzz.ie]]|date=14 March 2016|access-date=15 April 2018|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416073532/https://www.buzz.ie/sport/inside-davy-russell-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-gold-cup-winning-jockey-64073|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|access-date=15 April 2018|work=Buzz.ie|date=14 March 2016}}</ref>


==Professional career==
==Professional career==


In 2002 Russell moved to Yorkshire, England, to ride for the England-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy at [[Middleham]].<ref name="Kimmage"/> Russell's first win as a professional jockey was on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at [[Sedgefield Racecourse|Sedgefield]], 12 November 2002. He gained many high-profile successes during his two seasons in England, winning the [[Peter Marsh Chase]] on Truckers Tavern in 2003 and also finishing second on the same horse in that year's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other valuable wins on Murphy’s horses came on Tribal Venture, Ballinclay King and Historg. His first win as a professional in Ireland came on Colonel Monroe on 29 December 2002.
In 2002 Russell moved to Yorkshire, England, to ride for the Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy at [[Middleham]].<ref name=Kimmage/> Russell's first win as a professional jockey was on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at [[Sedgefield Racecourse|Sedgefield]], 12 November 2002. He gained many high-profile successes during his two seasons in England, winning the [[Peter Marsh Chase]] on Truckers Tavern in 2003 and also finishing second on the same horse in that year's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other valuable wins on Murphy’s horses came on Tribal Venture, Ballinclay King and Historg. His first win as a professional in Ireland came on Colonel Monroe on 29 December 2002.


After 14 months with Murphy he returned to Ireland and spent a season with [[Edward O'Grady]] and then two years as a freelance jockey. He had his first [[Cheltenham Festival]] win in March 2006 on the Philip Rothwell trained Native Jack in the Cross Country Chase. Since then he has had at least one winner there every year, with his 22 victories (up to and including 2018) including the Gold Cup in 2014 on Lord Windermere,<ref name="Armytage"/> and a record three wins in the [[Coral Cup]]. In 2018 he won the leading jockey award at Cheltenham.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cheltenham Festival: Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell win top trainer and jockey awards|url=https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/elliott-and-russell-win-awards/144760
After 14 months with Murphy he returned to Ireland and spent a season with [[Edward O'Grady]] and then two years as a freelance jockey. He had his first [[Cheltenham Festival]] win in March 2006 on the Philip Rothwell trained Native Jack in the Cross Country Chase. Except for 2019, he then had at least one winner at the festival every year up to 2020, with his victories including the Gold Cup in 2014 on Lord Windermere,<ref name=Armytage/> and a record three wins in the [[Coral Cup]]. In 2018 he won the leading jockey award at Cheltenham.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cheltenham Festival: Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell win top trainer and jockey awards|url=https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/elliott-and-russell-win-awards/144760
|access-date=15 April 2018|work=[[Sporting Life (British newspaper)|Sporting Life]]|date=16 March 2018}}</ref> Injury kept him having any rides at the festival in 2021.<ref name=Post1>{{Cite news |url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/davy-russell-loses-race-to-be-fit-for-cheltenham-festival-on-medical-advice/474115 |title=Davy Russell loses race to be fit for Cheltenham Festival on medical advice |work=[[Racing Post]] |date=18 February 2021}}</ref>
|access-date=15 April 2018|work=Sporting Life|date=16 March 2018}}</ref>


In September 2007 he was invited to become [[Michael O'Leary (businessman)|Michael O'Leary's]] stable jockey at Gigginstown House Stud, a position he held until he was sacked after a win and over a cup of tea at [[Punchestown Racecourse]] on New Year’s Eve 2013. He continued, however, to ride for Michael O'Leary on occasion.<ref name="Keogh">{{cite news|last1=Keogh|first1=Frank|title=Grand National: Story behind Tiger Roll's emotional win for Davy Russell|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/43769765
In September 2007 he was invited to become [[Michael O'Leary (businessman)|Michael O'Leary's]] stable jockey at Gigginstown House Stud, a position he held until he was sacked after a win and over a cup of tea at [[Punchestown Racecourse]] on New Year’s Eve 2013. He continued, however, to ride for Michael O'Leary on occasion.<ref name=Keogh>{{cite news|last1=Keogh|first1=Frank|title=Grand National: Story behind Tiger Roll's emotional win for Davy Russell|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/43769765|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=14 April 2018}}</ref>
|access-date=15 April 2018|work=BBC|date=14 April 2018}}</ref>


Russell was champion Irish National Hunt jockey in 2011/12 and 2012/13, having been runner-up the five previous seasons.<ref name="Kimmage"/> In August 2017 he rode Balko Des Flos to win the [[Galway Plate]] for the first time to add to his two [[Galway Hurdle]] wins of previous years.
Russell was champion Irish National Hunt jockey in 2011/12 and 2012/13, having been runner-up the five previous seasons.<ref name=Kimmage/> In August 2017 he rode Balko Des Flos to win the [[Galway Plate]] for the first time to add to his two [[Galway Hurdle]] wins of previous years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/profile/jockey/77030/davy-russell/stats|title=Davy Russell|work=Racing Post|access-date=11 September 2023}}</ref>


An incident at [[Tramore Racecourse]] in August 2017 led to controversy when Russell was caught on camera aiming a blow at the head of his mount, Kings Dolly, when she was playing up before the start of a race. Initially Russell was given a caution; this was later changed to a four-day suspension. At the hearing Russell argued that he had been trying to make the mare concentrate, and he criticised media coverage of the incident.<ref name="Brown">{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Luke|title=Davy Russell attacks "unacceptable and disgraceful" media coverage of controversial horse punch hearing|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/davy-russell-jockey-horse-punch-head-four-day-ban-attack-media-coverage-blame-racing-a7933191.html|access-date=15 April 2018|work=Independent|date=6 September 2017}}</ref>
An incident at [[Tramore Racecourse]] in August 2017 led to controversy when Russell was caught on camera aiming a blow at the head of his mount, Kings Dolly, when she was playing up before the start of a race. Initially Russell was given a caution; this was later changed to a four-day suspension. At the hearing Russell argued that he had been trying to make the mare concentrate, and he criticised media coverage of the incident.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brown|first1=Luke|title=Davy Russell attacks "unacceptable and disgraceful" media coverage of controversial horse punch hearing|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/racing/davy-russell-jockey-horse-punch-head-four-day-ban-attack-media-coverage-blame-racing-a7933191.html|work=[[The Independent]]|date=6 September 2017}}</ref> He was champion Irish National Hunt jockey for the third time in 2017/18.<ref name=HRI/>


Russell won the [[2018 Grand National]] at [[Aintree racecourse|Aintree]] on 14 April on Michael O'Leary's [[Tiger Roll]]. At 38, Russell was the oldest jockey in the race, and, at 15.2 hands, Tiger Roll was the smallest horse. It was Russell’s 14th ride in the Grand National.<ref name="Keogh"/> In 2019 Russell and Tiger Roll again won the [[2019 Grand National|Grand National]], with Russell becoming the first jockey since [[Brian Fletcher]] on [[Red Rum]] in 1974 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals on the same horse. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/apr/06/grand-national-day-2019-live |title =Grand National 2019: Tiger Roll wins the big race again at Aintree – as it happened|date=6 April 2019|work=Guardian|access-date=10 April 2019}}</ref>
Russell won the [[2018 Grand National]] at [[Aintree racecourse|Aintree]] on 14 April on Michael O'Leary's [[Tiger Roll]]. At 38, Russell was the oldest jockey in the race, and, at 15.2 hands, Tiger Roll was the smallest horse. It was Russell’s 14th ride in the Grand National.<ref name=Keogh/> In 2019 Russell and Tiger Roll again won the [[2019 Grand National|Grand National]], with Russell becoming the first jockey since [[Brian Fletcher]] on [[Red Rum]] in 1974 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals on the same horse.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2019/apr/06/grand-national-day-2019-live |title =Grand National 2019: Tiger Roll wins the big race again at Aintree – as it happened|date=6 April 2019|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>


In May 2019 Russell had his first ride in the [[Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris]], sometimes known as the French Gold Cup, and won on Carriacou, trained by Isabelle Pacault.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/48329283 |title =Davy Russell: Jockey claims landmark French Gold Cup win on Carriacou at Auteuil|date=19 May 2019|work=BBC|access-date=17 February 2020}}</ref>
In May 2019 Russell had his first ride in the [[Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris]], sometimes known as the French Gold Cup, and won on Carriacou, trained by Isabelle Pacault.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/48329283 |title =Davy Russell: Jockey claims landmark French Gold Cup win on Carriacou at Auteuil|date=19 May 2019|work=BBC Sport}}</ref>

A fall in the Munster National at [[Limerick Racecourse|Limerick]] on 11 October 2020 left Russell with a serious vertebrae injury. He underwent surgery and needed to recuperate for months, announcing in February 2021 that he would not be fit to ride at the Cheltenham Festival in March.<ref name=Post1/>

Russell retired on 18 December 2022 after winning the Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle on Liberty Dance at [[Thurles Racecourse]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racingtv.com/news/davy-russell-announces-retirement-from-the-saddle |title=Davy Russell announces retirement from the saddle |last=Allwood |first=Harry |date=18 December 2022 |website=[[Racing TV]]}}</ref> On 11 January 2023 Russell announced he would come out of retirement to help Elliott and his owners after [[Jack Kennedy (jockey)|Jack Kennedy]] broke his leg. Four days later he rode his first winner since his return when Sa Fureur won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown.<ref>{{cite web |title='This is what it's all about' - Davy Russell has first winner since shock return|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/race-reports/hes-back-davy-russell-rides-first-winner-since-shock-return-to-the-saddle/596059 |work=Racing Post|date=15 January 2023}}</ref>

After a disappointing Cheltenham Festival, a back injury sidelined Russell until the Grand National meeting at Aintree, where he rode two Grade 1 winners before being unseated at the first fence on Galvin in the [[2023 Grand National|Grand National]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/reports/davy-russell-announces-retirement-for-second-time-after-final-grade-1-hurrah-on-irish-point-aaRiH6C9saB2/|title='This really puts a shine on it' - Davy Russell announces second retirement following victory on Irish Point|date=15 April 2023|work=Racing Post}}</ref> In his final race he came fifth on Pour Les Filles in the [[Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race]] on the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/plus/opinion/davy-russell-lucinda-russell-marvellous-at-aintree-823013|title=Davy Russell: 'Lucinda Russell proved she’s marvellous at Aintree'|date=26 April 2023|work=[[Horse & Hound]]}}</ref>

==Retirement==

Following his retirement from race riding, Russell continued to breed and trade young horses as he had done for some years. In an interview with [[Racing Post]] he spoke of the need for jockeys to gain qualifications to use after retirement, and his own regret at not having gained an [[Large goods vehicle|HGV]] licence.<ref name=Post2>{{cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/opinion/comment/i-used-to-go-home-to-bed-and-sleep-for-an-hour-after-riding-out-thats-time-i-should-have-been-using-to-upskill-aWyt43E7jjWF/|title=I used to go home to bed and sleep for an hour after riding out - that's time I should have been using to upskill|date=25 October 2023|work=Racing Post}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


Russell is married to Edelle O’Meara, a science and maths teacher and former Irish [[pole vault]] champion. The couple live in Youghal and have four children, Lily, Finn, Liam and Tess. Russell also has a daughter Jaimee from a previous relationship.<ref name="Coughlan"/>
Russell is married to Edelle O’Meara, a science and maths teacher and former Irish [[pole vault]] champion. The couple live in Youghal and have five children. Russell also has a daughter Jaimee from a previous relationship.<ref name=Coughlan/><ref name=Post2/>

Together with trainer [[Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer)|Jim Bolger]], Russell organises an annual celebrity hurling match in aid of the [[Irish Cancer Society]]. By 2019 the match had raised a total of over €1 million for cancer research.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/russell-calls-for-normal-people-star-mescal-to-support-hurling-for-cancer-drive/444598 |title=Davy Russell calls for Normal People star to support Hurling for Cancer drive |work=Racing Post |date=31 July 2020}}</ref>


==TV==
==TV==


Russell featured in a TG4 documentary called ''Jump Boys''. It followed the journeys of [[Ruby Walsh]], [[Barry Geraghty]] and Russell over the course of the 2011/12 season. It aired on 28 November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285457&tpl=archnews&force=1 |title=Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty & Davy Russell TG4 Doc Nears Completion &#124; The Irish Film & Television Network |publisher=Iftn.ie |access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> In 2013 he appeared in the documentary ''[[The Irish Road To Cheltenham]]'', shown on [[RTÉ One]] television in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/dropline-menu-mainmenu-34/5696-limerick-jockey-to-appear-on-rte.html |title=Limerick Jockey to appear on RTE |date=28 February 2013 |work=Limerick Post |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307034152/http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/dropline-menu-mainmenu-34/5696-limerick-jockey-to-appear-on-rte.html |archive-date=7 March 2013 }}</ref>
Russell featured in a TG4 documentary called ''Jump Boys''. It followed the journeys of [[Ruby Walsh]], [[Barry Geraghty]] and Russell over the course of the 2011/12 season. It aired on 28 November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iftn.ie/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4285457&tpl=archnews&force=1 |title=Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty & Davy Russell TG4 Doc Nears Completion &#124; The Irish Film & Television Network |publisher=Iftn.ie |access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> In 2013 he appeared in the documentary ''[[The Irish Road To Cheltenham]]'', shown on [[RTÉ One]] television in Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/dropline-menu-mainmenu-34/5696-limerick-jockey-to-appear-on-rte.html |title=Limerick Jockey to appear on RTE |date=28 February 2013 |work=Limerick Post |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307034152/http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/dropline-menu-mainmenu-34/5696-limerick-jockey-to-appear-on-rte.html |archive-date=7 March 2013 }}</ref>

In December 2023 he was revealed as one of the contestants in the seventh series of the Irish TV programme ''[[Dancing with the Stars (Irish TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racingpost.com/news/ireland/davy-russell-to-follow-in-footsteps-of-nina-carberry-and-participate-in-irelands-dancing-with-the-stars-in-2024-aZMVt9e8pDkT/|title=Davy Russell to follow in footsteps of Nina Carberry and participate in Ireland's Dancing with the Stars in 2024|date=5 December 2023|work=Racing Post}}</ref>


==Cheltenham Festival winners==
==Cheltenham Festival winners==
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|}
|}


==Major wins==
==Other major wins==
{{flagicon|Ireland}} '''Ireland'''
{{flagicon|Ireland}} '''Ireland'''
* [[Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle]] -(2) Dedigout (2012), Un Atout (2013)
* [[Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle]] - (2) - Dedigout (2012), Un Atout (2013)
* [[Arkle Novice Chase]] -(2) Thyne Again (2008), Some Plan (2017)
* [[Arkle Novice Chase]] - (2) - Thyne Again (2008), Some Plan (2017)
* [[Champion Four Year Old Hurdle]] -(1) Won in the Dark (2008)
* [[Champion Four Year Old Hurdle]] - (1) - Won in the Dark (2008)
* [[Champion Stayers Hurdle]] -(1) Jetson (2014)
* [[Champion Stayers Hurdle]] - (1) - Jetson (2014)
* [[Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle]] -(1) Forpadydeplasterer (2008)
* [[Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle]] - (1) - Forpadydeplasterer (2008)
* [[Christmas Hurdle]] -(2) Prince Of Scars (2015), Apple's Jade (2017)
* [[Christmas Hurdle (Ireland)|Christmas Hurdle]] - (2) - Prince Of Scars (2015), Apple's Jade (2017)
* [[Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase]] -(5) Quito De La Roque (2011), Sir Des Champs (2012), Zabana (2016), The Storyteller (2018), Delta Work (2019)
* [[Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase]] - (5) - Quito De La Roque (2011), Sir Des Champs (2012), Zabana (2016), The Storyteller (2018), Delta Work (2019)
* [[Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase]] -(2) The Railway Man (2006), Last Instalment (2012)
* [[Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase]] - (3) - The Railway Man (2006), Last Instalment (2012), Mighty Potter (2023)
* [[Drinmore Novice Chase]] -(4) Cailin Alainn (2006), Don Cossack (2013), Death Duty (2017), Delta Work (2018)
* [[Drinmore Novice Chase]] - (4) - Cailin Alainn (2006), Don Cossack (2013), Death Duty (2017), Delta Work (2018)
* [[Future Champions Novice Hurdle]] -(1) First Lieutenant (2010)
* [[Future Champions Novice Hurdle]] - (1) - First Lieutenant (2010)
* [[Hatton's Grace Hurdle]] -(1) Oscar Dan Dan (2009)
* [[Hatton's Grace Hurdle]] - (1) - Oscar Dan Dan (2009)
* [[Irish Champion Hurdle]] -(1) Solwhit (2010)
* [[Irish Champion Hurdle]] - (1) - Solwhit (2010)
* [[Irish Gold Cup]] -(1) Sir Des Champs (2013)
* [[Irish Gold Cup]] - (2) - Sir Des Champs (2013), Conflated (2022)
* [[Ladbrokes Champion Chase]] -(1) Quito de la Roque (2011)
* [[Ladbrokes Champion Chase]] - (1) - Quito de la Roque (2011)
* [[Mares Champion Hurdle]] -(3) Blazing Liss (2005), Oscar Rebel (2008), Shop Dj (2011)
* [[Mares Champion Hurdle]] - (3) - Blazing Liss (2005), Oscar Rebel (2008), Shop Dj (2011)
* [[Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final]] -(2) For Bill (2010), Knockfierna (2011)
* [[Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final]] - (2) - For Bill (2010), Knockfierna (2011)
* [[Morgiana Hurdle]] -(2) Solwhit (2009, 2010)
* [[Morgiana Hurdle]] - (2) - Solwhit (2009, 2010)
* [[Neville Hotels Novice Chase]] -(3) Cailin Alainn (2006), Delta Work (2018), Battleoverdoyen (2019)
* [[Neville Hotels Novice Chase]] - (3) - Cailin Alainn (2006), Delta Work (2018), Battleoverdoyen (2019)
* [[Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase]] -(1) Mansony (2007)
* [[Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase]] - (1) - Mansony (2007)
* [[Punchestown Champion Chase]] -(1) Mansony (2007)
* [[Punchestown Champion Chase]] - (1) - Mansony (2007)
* [[Punchestown Champion Hurdle]] -(2) Solwhit (2009), Buveur d'Air (2019)
* [[Punchestown Champion Hurdle]] - (2) - Solwhit (2009), Buveur d'Air (2019)
* [[Punchestown Gold Cup]] -(1) Sir Des Champs (2013)
* [[Punchestown Gold Cup]] - (1) - Sir Des Champs (2013)
* [[Ryanair Hurdle]] -(2) Solwhit (2009), Mick Jazz (2017)
* [[Ryanair Hurdle]] - (2) - Solwhit (2009), Mick Jazz (2017)
* [[Slaney Novice Hurdle]] -(2) Rule The World (2013), Envoi Allen (2020)
* [[Savills Chase]] - (1) - Galvin (2021)
* [[Slaney Novice Hurdle]] - (2) - Rule The World (2013), Envoi Allen (2020)
* [[Spring Juvenile Hurdle]] -(2) Pittoni (2010), Mega Fortune (2017)
* [[Spring Juvenile Hurdle]] - (2) - Pittoni (2010), Mega Fortune (2017)

----
----
{{flagicon|UK}} '''[[Great Britain]]'''
{{flagicon|UK}} '''[[Great Britain]]'''
*[[Aintree Hurdle]] -(1) Solwhit (2009)
*[[Grand National]] - (2) - Tiger Roll (2018, 2019)
*[[Maghull Novices' Chase]] -(1) Ornua (2019)
*[[Aintree Hurdle]] - (1) - Solwhit (2009)
*[[Mildmay Novices' Chase]] -(1) Quito De La Roque (2011)
*[[Maghull Novices' Chase]] - (1) - Ornua (2019)
*[[Mildmay Novices' Chase]] - (2) - Quito De La Roque (2011), Gerri Colombe (2023)
* [[Mersey Novices' Hurdle]] - (2) - Three Stripe Life (2022), Irish Point (2023)
----
----
{{flagicon|France}} '''France'''
{{flagicon|France}} '''France'''
* [[Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris]] -(1) Carriacou (2019)
* [[Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris]] - (1) - Carriacou (2019)


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[https://www.racingpost.com/profile/jockey/77030/davy-russell Racing Post Stats]
*[https://www.racingpost.com/profile/jockey/77030/davy-russell Racing Post Stats]

{{Grand National}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Russell, Davy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Russell, Davy}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Irish jockeys]]
[[Category:Irish jockeys]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from County Cork]]
[[Category:Equestrians from County Cork]]
[[Category:People from Youghal]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Youghal]]

Latest revision as of 21:55, 28 May 2024

Davy Russell
Davy Russell after riding Solwhit in the 2009 WBX Fighting Fifth Hurdle
OccupationJockey
Born (1979-06-27) 27 June 1979 (age 45)
Youghal, County Cork, Ireland
Honours
Irish jump racing Champion Jockey (2011–12), (2012–13), (2017–2018)
Significant horses
Weapon's Amnesty, War of Attrition, Solwhit, Forpadydeplasterer, Back In Front, Sir Des Champs, Lord Windermere, Tiger Roll.

Davy Russell (born 27 June 1979)[1] is an Irish retired National Hunt jockey. He was Irish jump racing Champion Jockey three times, and won the Grand National (twice), the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris.

Childhood and amateur career

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Russell was born David Niall Russell, the second youngest of six children, and raised on the farm of his parents Jerry and Phyllis Russell in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland . His father owned a few racehorses and the family walked puppies for the local hunt. As a child Russell’s passions were riding his pony, hurling, and helping his father with his horses.[2][3]

Russell rode for four years as an amateur in point-to-points in Ireland, winning his first race in February 1999. During this period he also went hunting and worked in a fish factory.[2][3][4]

Professional career

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In 2002 Russell moved to Yorkshire, England, to ride for the Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy at Middleham.[2] Russell's first win as a professional jockey was on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002. He gained many high-profile successes during his two seasons in England, winning the Peter Marsh Chase on Truckers Tavern in 2003 and also finishing second on the same horse in that year's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other valuable wins on Murphy’s horses came on Tribal Venture, Ballinclay King and Historg. His first win as a professional in Ireland came on Colonel Monroe on 29 December 2002.

After 14 months with Murphy he returned to Ireland and spent a season with Edward O'Grady and then two years as a freelance jockey. He had his first Cheltenham Festival win in March 2006 on the Philip Rothwell trained Native Jack in the Cross Country Chase. Except for 2019, he then had at least one winner at the festival every year up to 2020, with his victories including the Gold Cup in 2014 on Lord Windermere,[3] and a record three wins in the Coral Cup. In 2018 he won the leading jockey award at Cheltenham.[5] Injury kept him having any rides at the festival in 2021.[6]

In September 2007 he was invited to become Michael O'Leary's stable jockey at Gigginstown House Stud, a position he held until he was sacked after a win and over a cup of tea at Punchestown Racecourse on New Year’s Eve 2013. He continued, however, to ride for Michael O'Leary on occasion.[7]

Russell was champion Irish National Hunt jockey in 2011/12 and 2012/13, having been runner-up the five previous seasons.[2] In August 2017 he rode Balko Des Flos to win the Galway Plate for the first time to add to his two Galway Hurdle wins of previous years.[8]

An incident at Tramore Racecourse in August 2017 led to controversy when Russell was caught on camera aiming a blow at the head of his mount, Kings Dolly, when she was playing up before the start of a race. Initially Russell was given a caution; this was later changed to a four-day suspension. At the hearing Russell argued that he had been trying to make the mare concentrate, and he criticised media coverage of the incident.[9] He was champion Irish National Hunt jockey for the third time in 2017/18.[1]

Russell won the 2018 Grand National at Aintree on 14 April on Michael O'Leary's Tiger Roll. At 38, Russell was the oldest jockey in the race, and, at 15.2 hands, Tiger Roll was the smallest horse. It was Russell’s 14th ride in the Grand National.[7] In 2019 Russell and Tiger Roll again won the Grand National, with Russell becoming the first jockey since Brian Fletcher on Red Rum in 1974 to win back-to-back Grand Nationals on the same horse.[10]

In May 2019 Russell had his first ride in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, sometimes known as the French Gold Cup, and won on Carriacou, trained by Isabelle Pacault.[11]

A fall in the Munster National at Limerick on 11 October 2020 left Russell with a serious vertebrae injury. He underwent surgery and needed to recuperate for months, announcing in February 2021 that he would not be fit to ride at the Cheltenham Festival in March.[6]

Russell retired on 18 December 2022 after winning the Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle on Liberty Dance at Thurles Racecourse.[12] On 11 January 2023 Russell announced he would come out of retirement to help Elliott and his owners after Jack Kennedy broke his leg. Four days later he rode his first winner since his return when Sa Fureur won a maiden hurdle at Punchestown.[13]

After a disappointing Cheltenham Festival, a back injury sidelined Russell until the Grand National meeting at Aintree, where he rode two Grade 1 winners before being unseated at the first fence on Galvin in the Grand National.[14] In his final race he came fifth on Pour Les Filles in the Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race on the same day.[15]

Retirement

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Following his retirement from race riding, Russell continued to breed and trade young horses as he had done for some years. In an interview with Racing Post he spoke of the need for jockeys to gain qualifications to use after retirement, and his own regret at not having gained an HGV licence.[16]

Personal life

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Russell is married to Edelle O’Meara, a science and maths teacher and former Irish pole vault champion. The couple live in Youghal and have five children. Russell also has a daughter Jaimee from a previous relationship.[4][16]

Together with trainer Jim Bolger, Russell organises an annual celebrity hurling match in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. By 2019 the match had raised a total of over €1 million for cancer research.[17]

TV

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Russell featured in a TG4 documentary called Jump Boys. It followed the journeys of Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Russell over the course of the 2011/12 season. It aired on 28 November 2012.[18] In 2013 he appeared in the documentary The Irish Road To Cheltenham, shown on RTÉ One television in Ireland.[19]

In December 2023 he was revealed as one of the contestants in the seventh series of the Irish TV programme Dancing with the Stars.[20]

Cheltenham Festival winners

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Cheltenham Festival winners (22)
Year Race Mount
2006 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Native Jack
2007 Festival Trophy Handicap Chase Joes Edge
2008 Coral Cup Naiad Du Missleot
Grand Annual Chase Tiger Cry
2009 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle Weapons Amnesty
2010 RSA Insurance Novices' Chase Weapons Amnesty
2011 Coral Cup Carlito Brigante
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle First Lieutenant
2012 JLT Novices' Chase Sir Des Champs
2013 RSA Insurance Novices' Chase Lord Windermere
2014 Triumph Hurdle Tiger Roll
Cheltenham Gold Cup Lord Windermere
Grand Annual Chase Savello
2015 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Rivage D'Or
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle Windsor Park
2016 Coral Cup Diamond King
Pertemps Final Mall Dini
2017 Pertemps Final Presenting Percy
2018 RSA Insurance Novices' Chase Presenting Percy
Ryanair Chase Balko Des Flos
Pertemps Final Delta Work
Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate The Storyteller
2020 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle Envoi Allen
Marsh Novices' Chase Samcro
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Chosen Mate

Other major wins

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Republic of Ireland Irland

Vereinigtes Königreich Great Britain

Frankreich Frankreich

References

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  1. ^ a b "Davy Russell". Horse Racing Ireland. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d Kimmage, Paul (22 December 2013). "That fear is always there". Irish Independent.
  3. ^ a b c Armytage, Marcus (4 March 2018). "Davy Russell looking to continue Cheltenham Festival winning streak". The Daily Telegraph.
  4. ^ a b Coughlan, Dave (14 March 2016). "Inside Davy Russell: a day in the life of a Gold Cup winning jockey". Buzz.ie. Archived from the original on 16 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Cheltenham Festival: Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell win top trainer and jockey awards". Sporting Life. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  6. ^ a b "Davy Russell loses race to be fit for Cheltenham Festival on medical advice". Racing Post. 18 February 2021.
  7. ^ a b Keogh, Frank (14 April 2018). "Grand National: Story behind Tiger Roll's emotional win for Davy Russell". BBC Sport.
  8. ^ "Davy Russell". Racing Post. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  9. ^ Brown, Luke (6 September 2017). "Davy Russell attacks "unacceptable and disgraceful" media coverage of controversial horse punch hearing". The Independent.
  10. ^ "Grand National 2019: Tiger Roll wins the big race again at Aintree – as it happened". The Guardian. 6 April 2019.
  11. ^ "Davy Russell: Jockey claims landmark French Gold Cup win on Carriacou at Auteuil". BBC Sport. 19 May 2019.
  12. ^ Allwood, Harry (18 December 2022). "Davy Russell announces retirement from the saddle". Racing TV.
  13. ^ "'This is what it's all about' - Davy Russell has first winner since shock return". Racing Post. 15 January 2023.
  14. ^ "'This really puts a shine on it' - Davy Russell announces second retirement following victory on Irish Point". Racing Post. 15 April 2023.
  15. ^ "Davy Russell: 'Lucinda Russell proved she's marvellous at Aintree'". Horse & Hound. 26 April 2023.
  16. ^ a b "I used to go home to bed and sleep for an hour after riding out - that's time I should have been using to upskill". Racing Post. 25 October 2023.
  17. ^ "Davy Russell calls for Normal People star to support Hurling for Cancer drive". Racing Post. 31 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty & Davy Russell TG4 Doc Nears Completion | The Irish Film & Television Network". Iftn.ie. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  19. ^ "Limerick Jockey to appear on RTE". Limerick Post. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original on 7 March 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
  20. ^ "Davy Russell to follow in footsteps of Nina Carberry and participate in Ireland's Dancing with the Stars in 2024". Racing Post. 5 December 2023.
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