Russell unseated by Gigginstown
O’Leary himself broke the news to Russell, after he had partnered Gigginstown’s Rogue Angel to victory in the first contest at Punchestown, the beginners’ chase.
Explained Russell: “After the race, Michael asked me to come and have a cup of tea and then told me of his decision. I was shocked and had no idea it was going to happen.’’
Continuing, Russell said: “I am very disappointed. I am not disappointed with Michael O’Leary, if that’s the way he feels, then that’s the way he feels. But I am disappointed for myself.
“I’m a big boy, I know what I am going to have to do now and that is to work very hard. I still have a lot of belief in my own ability and am confident plenty of people will continue to use me.’’
Reflecting on his six seasons with Gigginstown, Russell felt there were three standout horses, Sir Des Champs, First Lieutenant and Weapon’s Amnesty.
“I rode a lot of winners for them, but those three probably gave me my best days,” Russell said.
“I had two great days with Sir Des Champs, the Hennessy at Leopardstown and the Jewson at Cheltenham.
“Another great day was winning the Neptune at Cheltenham on First Lieutenant, but the best was on Charles Byrnes’ Weapon’s Amnesty.
“I won on him twice at the Cheltenham Festival, the Albert Bartlett Hurdle and the SunAlliance Novice Chase.
“He was an absolute flying machine and it was a real shame didn’t stay sound.’’
Today, at Tramore, Russell will team up with Gigginstown for the last time as their retained rider.
He partners Enjoy Responsibly and Express Du Berlais in maiden hurdles and the prolific winner, Roi Du Me, in the featured Listed chase.
Russell, who was born in 1979 and is from Youghal, Co Cork, is a former brilliant point-to-point rider.
His association with Gigginstown saw him soar to the top of the professional ranks and he has been champion jockey for the last two seasons.
He rode his first winner as a professional aboard Colonel Monroe for Edward O’Grady at Limerick on December 29, 2002.
At Leopardstown last week Sea Light, trained by Charles Byrnes, gave Russell his 1,000th winner on the racecourse.
Gigginstown has emerged as a major player in Irish National Hunt racing over the last 10 years or so, investing millions in the game.
They enjoyed their greatest moment when War Of Attrition, trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2006.
Inevitably now there will be much speculation as to who will replace Russell. Five jockeys are reported to be in frame, including one from Britain.
The clear favourite, however, would have to be Bryan Cooper, arguably the most promising young National Hunt pilot in the country.
Cooper has been increasingly used by Gigginstown and will ride for them at Fairyhouse today.
He is 21 years of age, comes from Tralee and is a son of trainer Tom Cooper.
Currently first jockey to Dessie Hughes, Cooper rode three winners at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
