Grateful Russell pays tribute to Gigginstown
Russell, the Horse Racing Ireland jumps ambassador, rides as first jockey for Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary’s operation, with O’Leary’s brother, Eddie, acting as racing manager.
The Gigginstown colours first came to prominence with Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition but now barely a meeting goes past without seeing the famous maroon and white silks.
As well as riding enough winners to fend off Ruby Walsh and defending champion Paul Townend, who have the backing of the ever-powerful Willie Mullins stable, Russell has ridden plenty of big-race winners.
His Cheltenham Festival hero Sir Des Champs, trained by Mullins, won a Grade One at Punchestown this week, Last Instalment was another to win at the highest level in novice company while Quito De La Roque hit the target at Down Royal, beating Sizing Europe.
Horses such as Rathlin, First Lieutenant, Trifolium and Bog Warrior have also contributed to give Russell a season to remember.
Russell said: “I’ve had a marvellous year. Good horses make good riders – I’m not saying I’m a good rider but I ride plenty of winners riding good horses.
“It’s great to be involved with such a great team (as Gigginstown).”
Michael O’Leary is delighted he has been able to help Russell become champion.
He said: “It’s great for Davy to be champion jockey. To be champion jockey in Ireland is down to talent, especially when Ruby and Barry (Geraghty) are in their pomp. It is a great achievement.”
Outgoing champion Townend said: “Willie’s been very good to me, he’s given me every opportunity and we’ll be looking for a good year again next year.”
While one Mullins jockey may have lost his title, his son Patrick was yet again crowned champion amateur.
With amateurs having only a handful of big races to aim for, the fact Champagne Fever pulled off the Cheltenham-Punchestown Bumper double crowned a fantastic season, while he won the big race over the banks course on Thursday with Uncle Junior.
“I’m obviously very lucky to ride for my father and the highlight of the year was to ride another Cheltenham winner,” said Mullins jnr.
“For Champagne Fever to then follow up at Punchestown was just beyond expectations. I’ve been very lucky.
“Champagne Fever always stood out among our bumper horses but he got beat on his debut over Christmas when we got the tactics wrong and tried to hold him up.
“He carries his head a bit high but that’s just him, there’s nothing wrong with his attitude, he tries very hard.”
In partnering his father’s bumper horses Mullins is in the enviable position of riding future stars, and reckons he may have sat on a few this campaign.
He said: “Ballycasey was a horse I really liked. He ran in a few point-to-points and got beat but he won on his debut for us in a bumper. He could be a horse for the Neptune when he goes over hurdles next year.”
* Colm Murphy has confirmed his star mare Voler La Vedette will remain in training next season following her creditable run in defeat at Punchestown on Thursday.
She again had to make do with the runner-up spot behind Quevega and while connections could be forgiven for now retiring a mare with a sizeable paddock value, Murphy is delighted she will be back for more next season.
“We’ll give her a good break now and get her back for next season.” he said.
