Rampant Russell rides to victory on racing return

A DELIGHTED Davy Russell yesterday celebrated his first winner since returning from a short-lived retirement when steering Sa Fureur to victory at Punchestown.

Russell initially hung up his boots in mid-December at Thurles but returned to action as Gordon Elliott’s stable jockey on Saturday after stable No 1 Jack Kennedy broke his leg in a fall last week.

‘It feels great,’ said Russell. ‘Winning is what it’s all about so it’s great to be back in the winner’s enclosure. ‘The crowd is what makes it. They clapped me all the way into the parade ring and it’s very nice.’