Tiger’s on a Roll!
Triumphant Grand National jockey Davy pays emotional tribute to stricken former Cork footballer
IN his moment of glory, hero jockey Davy Russell dedicated his two-in-a-row Grand National win to a former Cork All-Ireland winning footballer battling cancer.
Speaking shortly after crossing the finish line at Aintree on Tiger Roll, who became the first horse since Red Rum 45 years ago to win back-to-back Grand Nationals, Mr Russell paid tribute to his fellow county man Kieran O’Connor, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer.
He said: ‘He’s going through an enormous battle of his life and just to let him know that we’re thinking of him. He played football for Cork and he gave his life to sport and he’s a real fan of mine and this one’s for Kieran.’
Russell also revealed that his father, Jerry, had only booked flights to Aintree on Wednesday morning. ‘He probably brought us a bit of luck,’ he said.
The 4-1 favourite was well-positioned throughout the four and a quarter mile race ahead of 66-1 odds Magic Of Light. Rathvinden, ridden by Ruby Walsh, looked like preventing Tiger Roll from making history but was unable to keep the pace along the final stretch.
Tiger Roll’s owner, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary paid tribute to the triumphant jockey and ‘phenomenal’ trainer.
‘It’s unbelievable. It’s a phenomenal training performance by Gordon [Elliott]. It’s brilliant that he keeps bringing this horse back at Cheltenham better than ever and Aintree better than ever – and what a ride by Davy.’
Last year Mr O’Leary delayed his Ryanair flight back to Dublin from Liverpool after Tiger Roll’s victory. He repaid passengers’ patience with free drinks for all. Asked if the flight would be late this year, Mr O’Leary pledged a free bar for all passengers. Trainer Gordon Elliott was moved to tears by the enormity of his third Grand National triumph. ‘I don’t get upset too often, but I’m emotional today. For my whole yard and everyone involved it’s unbelievable – you dream about this,’ he said.
‘Just to let him know we’re thinking of him’