Russell: Gigginstown jockey role is bigger than a one-man job

Davy Russell has admitted that the news of Gigginstown House Stud’s decision to drop Bryan Cooper as their number-one rider did not shock him as the two-time champion jockey, who himself enjoyed huge success in that role prior to meeting a similar fate, believes riding for the champion owner has become more than just a one-man job.

Russell, whose time as Gigginstown's first jockey ended in 2013, said: "It's a tough position for just one rider to be in and maybe the job is bigger than just one jockey now, which is probably why they've made the decision.

"Gigginstown have so many good horses and they don't mind running their better ones against each other. You have to take your hat off them for doing it, because it makes the sport very interesting to watch, but it can be tough for one rider to make the right call every time - in fact, it’s probably impossible.

"Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic position to be in, but nobody else runs their horses like Gigginstown run theirs, and they're very successful. JP McManus's operation runs differently in the sense he has three or four riders, and Willie [Mullins] is the same."

Gigginstown racing manager Eddie O'Leary on Friday called on Cooper to show the same resilience that Russell displayed when he was dropped from their roster.

Russell has little doubt Cooper will continue to ride big-race winners in Gigginstown's maroon and white silks, and said: "Myself and Bryan's situation is very different as he's still on the team whereas I was let go.

"Nobody knows better than Bryan what he has to do, and he will still ride plenty of winners for Gigginstown. The only thing that's changed is that he won't have the pick. This represents a good opportunity for some other riders in the weighroom."

Gordon Elliott, meanwhile, has yet to come to a decision on jockey arrangements for Galway, but the 39-year-old described himself as "delighted" to see Jack Kennedy back riding out just two months after breaking his leg at Punchestown, adding that he will be using James Bowen at Ballybrit next week.

Elliott said: "Jack has been back riding out for us throughout the past week but he's still some way off returning. Still, it's great to have him back and I'm delighted.

"James will be riding for us in the Plate and the Hurdle. He's a very good young rider."