Russell: Hard to be ecstatic as he did what I expected him to do

It was a weekend of firsts for Irish champion jockey, Davy Russell.

At Leopardstown on Saturday he got off the mark in the Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup when driving Sir Des Champs to a length and three parts defeat of Flemenstar and then yesterday celebrated by attending his first ever rugby match, as Ireland went under to England at the Aviva Stadium.

Reflecting on Sir Des Champs’ teak-tough display at Leopardstown, Russell said: “It is hard to be ecstatic, because he did what I expected him to do.