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Davy Russell confirmed his surprise return to the saddle after an injury to Gordon Elliott stable jockey Jack Kennedy did not beat the young rider in the yard.
Russell, a two-time Grand National champion, came out of retirement to cover for Kennedy with the current Irish championship leader on the sidelines with a broken leg.
The 43-year-old has been called off last month but returns on Saturday with two rides at Fairyhouse and three more on Sunday’s card at Punchestown.
“It didn’t take long for me to pack so I got to know all the horses and their owners,” Russell said. Sky Sports Racing. “It’s a tough time for Gordon and it’s going to be a busy couple of weeks, so he feels knowing everything will help the team.
“It’s not easy, but he’s happy to have us back.”
Jordan Gainford, 23, always rides Shecouldbeanything in the big Grade Two Moscow Flyer on Saturday, and Russell said both Gainford and fellow rising star Sam Ewing will continue to get plenty of opportunities for Elliott’s team.
Jordan Gainford (left) with Jack Kennedy in Gordon Elliott’s yard
“Sam is only 19 and when I was that age I had not ridden a championship,” Russell said. “Jordan was 23 and when I was there I was just a professional so he got a lot of things.
“He’s a big part of the team and he’s still going to ride in big races and get that experience on big tracks.
“Riders have to build a foundation and today’s National Hunt jockeys don’t come into their own until their mid to late 20s.
Russell had announced his retirement in Thurles in December
“We’ve all been through it and it will either make you strong or tear you down. In this game, you have to have a very thick skin.
“It’s not a knock on the kids, it’s a confidence thing. Gordon wants them to learn and get behind whoever is the top driver. He knows how much he’s worth.”
Kennedy remains unsure whether the injury will heal in time for the Cheltenham Festival, with Russell remaining on standby for the March showpiece.
Russell celebrates his trophy after winning the Randox Health Grand National with Tiger Roll
“I’d love to ride at Cheltenham, no problem, but that ride could be for Jordan and Sam,” Russell said. “We don’t know until the situation arises.
“We don’t know if Jack will come back either. All these questions will be answered for us.”
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