Riding High

DAVY Russell was understandably still delighted on bank holiday Monday after a great win on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

The 32-year-old won the Jewson Novices Chase on Sir Des Champs, a horse trained by Willie Mullins. “I’m still over the moon. Cheltenham’s a very difficult place to get winners,” he says.

Did he expect to do so well? “Yeah, he’s a nice horse. I was looking forward to him running.”

Davy will be riding at the Fairyhouse Easter Irish Grand National Festival on Apr 8-10, but he isn’t making any predictions on how this will go.

“I don’t know — we’ll have to wait and see,” says the Youghal man, who is single and is currently National Hunt ambassador for Horse Racing Ireland. “It was very nice to be asked to take on that role. It’s a pleasure to try and help out,” he says.

What shape are you in?

I’m in good order. I train just by riding out and doing a bit of running three days a week. I run anywhere — road, beach, field.

Do you have any health concerns?

There’s nothing running in my family that I’d have to keep an eye out for. I’ve been in hospital plenty of times, but just for broken bones. Last year, I broke my ankle.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat normal, run-of-the-mill food — vegetables and meat. I eat carrots, cabbage, any kind of vegetable. My tastes are pretty simple — I’m not a fussy eater at all.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I eat plenty of chocolate. I’d have it most days, particularly if I wanted a bit of energy.

Do you sleep well?

I’m a great sleeper. Nothing would keep me awake — the very minute I get into bed I’m gone.

How do you relax?

Sitting on the couch, watching TV and going to GAA games.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Michael Collins — I grew up a fan; John Wayne, just from seeing him on TV and Georgia Salpa, because she’s beautiful.

What’s your favourite smell?

The smell of the sea.

What would you change about your appearance? I’m 5ft 11ins and I’d rather be smaller, just for riding horses. I struggle with my weight at 10st 7lbs.

When did you last cry?

It’s a long time ago. I can’t remember when — I’m not a man who cries easily. And, no, I didn’t shed a tear last week when I won at Cheltenham.

What trait do you least like in others?

I hate people who are false, who say one thing and do another.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I wish I wouldn’t get as angry. I can be very argumentative, especially if I haven’t eaten properly in a few days.

What other career might you have chosen? Farming.

Do you pray?

I believe in God, but I don’t pray. I haven’t since I was young.

What would cheer up your day?

The right music for the moment.