Ruth Jefferson: 'People can slate me as much as they like - I can guarantee they wouldn't have done a better job'
Andrew Dietz talks to the trainer about the rapid rise of Gold Cup hope Sounds Russian
It's hard to believe a stronger bond between trainer and horse could exist. Ruth Jefferson has been with Sounds Russian every step of the way on a journey that in less than two years has gone from racecourse debut to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
From sourcing the strapping bay to riding him out on a daily basis, the Malton trainer has meticulously charted the meteoric rise of a horse nobody wanted.
With Sounds Russian costing a mere €15,000 as a three-year-old before going on to develop into a genuine Gold Cup contender, you might think he is known as 'Bruce' because the price was right. Sadly not – it is down to his wild side.
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- 'You can see why people end up struggling - when you're trying to pay the electric bill, losing one ride can be massive'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard