Davy Russell finds his place among elite after tough learning curve March 6th, 2010
Davy Russells profile has changed beyond recognition in the past two years. He is outwardly still the same: courteous, engaging, and as honest about his shortcomings as when he returned to Ireland after a chastening stint with Ferdy Murphy in 2004.
The difference is in his status. The wide-eyed novice from Co Cork has finally arrived after a journey slaloming in and out of the fast lane. Now he faces the ultimate speed test aboard Solwhit, the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite, at Cheltenham on Tuesday week.
The prospect does not faze him, largely because he feels that this years Festival commemorates his reaching a career podium. Not long ago the journey to Cheltenham was a terrible thing, Russell, 30, said. Youd fly into Birmingham and drive down with a knot in your stomach. Then, when you got to see the place again, it sucked you in. It left you breathless.
En route, Russell would remember the days when his father – part-mechanic, part-farmer – made the annual pilgrimage. As a kid I couldnt wait for him to come home with his stories, he said. One year he won the award for doing the most outrageous thing. He drove to the track on a lawnmower and parked it between a Rolls Royce and Bentley.
These days Russell checks into a familiar weighing-room. None of the big boys are looking at you wondering who you are, he said. In those days you never wanted to take their space, but now my peg is next to Barry Geraghty. Little things like that help you to feel comfortable.
Russell had no such ambitions in his early twenties. He was blissfully happy riding the Cork point-to-point circuit, where he was top dog. Then Adrian Maguire was forced into retirement by injury, and Murphy came calling.
He felt he couldnt spurn an opportunity that quickly swept him out of his depth. A tall man accustomed to riding at 12st was now required to waste hard and pinpoint suitable targets for horses when he hadnt the faintest idea about handicap marks. I was completely lost, he reflected.
Although he idolised Maguire, Russells patient style is more reminiscent of Paul Carberry. Maybe in patience, Russell responded, but thats all. Everyone from my background loves Paul but no man alive can ride like him. Youd kill yourself. He is pure natural talent; pure wrath, really.
If the Champion Hurdle unfolds as he envisages Russell expects Carberry, aboard Go Native, to attack him late on. Solwhit has been very good on the racecourse but I cant be bullish because hes a lazy devil at home, Russell said.
Whatever Solwhits fate, Russell is optimistic he can post his sixth Festival triumph. Only seven active jockeys surpass him. And he smiles at the memory of his Gold Cup debut when, riding Truckers Tavern in 2003, he chased home Best Mate. Four months earlier I was still riding in point-to-points, he said.
Russells other prominent rides include Carlito Brigante in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Weapons Amnesty in the RSA Chase, and Tavern Times in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. He also rides War Of Attrition in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for the Gigginstown House Stud of Michael OLeary, who has retained him for the past three seasons.
While those disorientating days with Murphy are distant, they clearly shamed Russell into action. He is now a walking, talking formbook, replete with ratings for every half-decent horse. That explains why he is in demand on the Festival preview circuit, when he is one of the few to offer firm opinions.
My opinion might be worth very little at times but at least I can give it, he said with a smile. I dont have to stand there dumb.