'I never thought I wouldn't make it back' - Russell raring to go at Downpatrick
Davy Russell, the eighth most successful jump jockey of all time, says he is ready to rock and roll and really looking forward to his eagerly awaited comeback from a career-threatening injury at Downpatrick on Friday with two rides for Gordon Elliott.
The 42-year-old has ridden 1,502 winners in a stellar 26-year career, just 87 winners shy of Paul Carberry in seventh, but it looked like that might be his final tally following a fall from Doctor Duffy in the Munster National at Limerick that has kept him out of action since October.
Russell suffered horrific injuries to his vertebrae and the recovery process included having bolts drilled into his head as well as a weight hanging off his head to ensure the T1 vertebra went back into place.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inNews
Last updated
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off