Grand National hero Davy Russell puts celebrations on hold to ride double

Davy Russell would have been forgiven for joining in on the Grand National celebrations taking place near Gordon Elliott’s Longwood-based yard in County Meath rather than making the trip South to Tramore, but the Aintree hero stayed true to his word, much to the delight of local trainer John Kiely.

Less than 24 hours after guiding Tiger Roll to a memorable Grand National success, Russell picked up from where he’d left off aboard the Kiely-trained Decision Time in the opening maiden hurdle. The trainer admitted he would have forgiven the 38-year-old had he not fulfilled the engagement.

John Kiely: trainer of Rock De BauneCredit: Patrick McCann

Kiely said: “I doubted whether or not he’d be here after yesterday I must say, as he was being dragged here, there and everywhere, but I’m delighted he came.