Gordon Elliott: asking Davy Russell back was the right thing to do

Gordon Elliott has said Davy Russell's invaluable experience going into the most important stage of the jumps season was the main factor behind recalling the 43-year-old from his short-lived retirement.

Russell dropped the bombshell on Wednesday night, announcing he would be returning to race-riding less than a month after he brought his distinguished career to a close at Thurles, and he has been booked for two mounts at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

The dramatic U-turn comes in the wake of Jack Kennedy breaking his leg for a fifth time at Naas on Sunday. It is not yet known how long he will be out for but Elliott is more than hopeful he will be back in time to be his number one at the Cheltenham Festival and stressed he would be immediately reinstated to the top of his pecking order when he does return.