Davy Russell emerges as shock contender to replace retiring McCoy
Paddy Power last night quoted Russell as 11-10 joint-favourite with Barry Geraghty to land the plum role with Paul Townend next in the market at 7/1.
Geraghty had initially been installed as the 1-6 favourite for the role after McCoy stunned the racing world by announcing his retirement in February.
At that point Russell, who lost his retainer with Gigginstown House Stud at the start of last year, was available at 33/1.
“We do feel the situation has changed. At one time we thought Barry was a bit of a shoo-in but we think circumstances have changed now and Davy is much more in the running for the job than he was before,” a spokesman for Paddy Power said last night.
“Davy is now available having had a huge job previously and we think it’s a toss-up between him and Barry.
“Paul Townend is unlikely to get the job because we feel he won’t be too keen to leave Willie Mullins in the hope he gets the number one job when Ruby hangs up his boots.”
Meanwhile, Jonjo O’Neill admits he has no idea what McCoy will do next, although he insists the rider will always bewelcome at his Jackdaws Castle yard.
The National Hunt game will enter a new era when McCoy exits stage left at Sandown this weekend, after he has been crowned champion for the 20th and final time.
O’Neill said: “I don’t know what he will do now. It’s very hard to get that buzz from a winner from anything else.
“He was up here last week to school and nothing changed. But who knows, after Saturday he might never want to sit on a horse again.
“What I can say is the doors of Jackdaws Castle will always be open. We will welcome him back with open arms.”
