Veteran having a year to remember

DAVY RUSSELL may be closer to the door of the weigh-room — the more senior the jockey, the nearer his peg is to the exit — but he is enjoying one heck of a roll heading into Punchestown.

Cheltenham Festival:

Four winners — Presenting Percy (RSA Chase), Delta Work (Pertemps Hurdle), Balko Des Flos (Ryanair Chase) and The Storyteller (Plate) to win the leading jockey award. He has had a winne at every Festival since 2006.

Aintree:

At 38, the oldest jockey in the Grand National rode the smallest horse, Tiger Roll, to win by a head. It is the second tightest margin in history and Russell’s first win in 14 attempts.

Punchestown:

Leading his nearest pursuer Paul Townend by almost 40 winners, Russell will be formally presented with his third Irish jockeys’ title on Saturday. He was previously champion in 2011/12 and 2012/13.