Davy’s Tiger feat AND OUR BRILLIANT AINTREE PULLOUT
Russell wins the biggest race of his life then dedicates it to his sick jockey pal
This one is for Pat Smullen... who is as tough as nails
DAVY RUSSELL AINTREE YESTERDAY
IRISH jockey Davy Russell beamed with pride yesterday as he dedicated his Grand National victory to fellow rider Pat Smullen who is battling cancer.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Tiger Roll won by a neck in a photo finish ahead of Pleasant Company in a race dominated by Irish contenders.
Cork man Russell said he was lost for words after a late charge saw him secure his first Grand National title to add to his three Cheltenham triumphs.
The 38-year-old said: “This one is for Pat Smullen.
“I was speaking to him the other morning and he’s as tough as nails. I really don’t know what to say.”
Nine-time Irish flat champion jockey Smullen, below, was diagnosed with a tumour in March and has taken a racing break since. He posted an update on his recovery on Twitter just last
week and said he was doing well. He wrote: “Thank you to everyone for all the kind messages and good wishes, it’s been completely overwhelming.
“Also to the medical team who have been looking after me, they are amazing people.
“With their help I’m looking forward to making a full recovery.”
Russell cut a confident figure throughout the fourand-a-quarter-mile contest on 10-1 shot Tiger Roll and cruised to the front in the home straight.
But just when he looked to have victory sewn up, the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company, who had been ridden prominently and jumped boldly, came with a late rattle to almost join him on the finish line.
However, after a brief wait the judge confirmed Tiger Roll the narrow winner.
Bless The Wings, the champion’s
stablemate, was third, and Tony Martin’s Cheltenham Gold Cup third Anibale Fly was fourth, as Irish runners dominated.
Bryony Frost, riding in the race for the first time, fared best of the three female jockeys coming home fifth aboard the Neil King-trained Milansbar.
Russell, whose Aintree win comes at the 14th time of asking, said later: “I’ve won this race a thousand times in my head as a child.
“It is amazing to have finally won, it is a marvellous event.”
It was also a particularly emotional win for Russell whose mother died earlier this year.
He said: “She was a marvellous woman, getting up at 6am to drive me around Ireland for races. She always did what was best for her children.”
Russell spoke of his pre-race concerns about the horse which was the smallest on the race card.
He said: “I was afraid he wouldn’t take to it as he is very economical with his jumping. They’ve done a marvellous job with this horse.”
Trainer Gordon Elliott added: “It’s unbelievable. Tiger Roll is a yard favourite.
“It’s really great for the yard,
great for owners Gigginstown, great for everyone.”
Gigginstown House Stud, led by Ryanair boss Michael O’leary, won the National two years ago with Rule The World.
Elliott now looks well-placed to be crowned champion trainer in Ireland for the first this month, toppling Mullins.
Between them Elliott and Mullins had 15 winners at the Cheltenham Festival last month.
I have won this race a thousand times in my head as a child
DAVY RUSSELL AINTREE
YESTERDAY