Gordon Elliott: Davy Russell is made of steel - his hunger is unbelievable

Gordon Elliott has described friend and legendary rider Davy Russell as being "made of steel" after his remarkable return to the saddle from a serious neck injury, revealing he had doubted whether the 42-year-old would manage to make a comeback this season.

Russell has been seen at his very best in landing some of Ireland's biggest prizes for Elliott since returning in September, including the Savills Chase on Galvin and the Irish Gold Cup on Conflated.

The three-time champion jockey was forced to miss last year's Cheltenham Festival after fracturing his C6 and C7 vertebrae and dislocating his T1 the previous October but he will be an important part of Elliott's team at Prestbury Park next month.

Asked whether he had any doubts whether the festival's most successful active rider would manage to return to the saddle, Elliott said: "Everyone said he was mad to come back, and I kind of thought it as well. But knowing Davy and how determined he is, he was always going to get back.

Gordon Elliott gives Davy Russell a pat on the back after Run Wild Fred's win in the Troytown ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"Wasn't he right to come back? He's ridden so many good winners and hopefully we have more plenty to come. I thought he was mad at that age with the injury he had, but that's just how determined and good he is."

Elliott added: "He's a brilliant jockey. His bottle is amazing for a man of 42 years of age. His determination and hunger to come back from injuries is unbelievable. You see a lot of lads these days who get a fall, they're sore and need a rub down. Russell is made of steel.

"His body might start to slow down because of age, but we're minding him now. We don't let him ride too much for too many people. I don't know how many more weeks, months or years we're going to get out of him, but as long as we'll have him we'll treasure him."

Elliott has a a strong team of riders at his Cullentra base and believes the presence of Russell is bringing out the best in exceptional talent Jack Kennedy.

"Whether Davy rides for another year or two, I think when it comes Jack's time to be first jockey it's going to be perfect," Elliott explained. "Davy is making him better and Jack is making Davy hungrier. Jordan Gainford and a few of the other guys coming behind will make him hungrier too."

Gordon Elliott on Jack Kennedy: 'Nothing fazes him. He's had a few harsh breaks but has a great family behind him'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott added: "I think Jack is becoming more of a man every day. He's only 22 and sometimes I'd give out to him for being so laid-back, but I think that's why he's so good. Nothing fazes him. He's had a few harsh breaks but has a great family behind him.

"He's here five days a week and if you saw him out around the yard, you actually wouldn't think it's Jack Kennedy – he's just like everyone else. He's taking horses on and off the walker, getting into the lorry to go schooling."

Elliott has one of the strongest squads heading to Cheltenham next month, but he was asked who he would pick if he could add one novice hurdler and novice chaser to his string from another yard.

"I thought Dysart Dynamo was impressive at Punchestown so I might go with him as a novice hurdler, " said Elliott.

"In terms of novice chasers, I saw Bob Olinger schooling around Navan last week. It was just getting dark and you could only really see him over the last two fences but he looked awesome. I just loved how he went from the last to the line. From what I saw, he was very impressive."

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