I’ve everything to Gain from the big man
Jordan can Russell up success with vet’s help
Jordan Gainford is living the dream of working with his hero Davy Russell.
So much so, he reckons he’s learning every day with the “big man” in the saddle as opposed to any notion from the outside that he’s losing out.
Gainford is one of racing’s hottest young properties as a huge part of Gordon Elliott’s crack team and will partner favourite Gerri Colombe in the Brown Advisory.
In the lead-up to Cheltenham, riding arrangements at Cullentra House – as to who will partner a powerful string including stars such as Mighty Potter and Conflated – has been a hot topic.
Stable No.1 Jack Kennedy suffered the injury that has ruled him out of the Festival less than a month after Russell had announced his retirement.
The door looked open for Gainford to climb aboard all of the stable’s big guns.
However, Elliott went back to Russell, the veteran answered the call, dug the saddle out and returned to deputise.
Some observers felt that was harsh on Gainford. But if you assume the kid is bitter about it or feels hard done by, two minutes in his company dispel it.
Gainford calls Russell his “idol.” More importantly, he’s able to further his own career by taking tips from the veteran.
He said: “Davy’s the big man. No matter if it is a small day or a big day, he will deliver and we all respect him.
“You ask Davy about a horse he might have ridden the last day. He might only say a couple of words and walk away ... and you still have all you need. nee I can ring him any time of the day.
“WWhen I walked into int the yard at the start, sta I couldn’t really rea believe I was working wo in the same sa place as
Davy. You get used to it as time goes on but I still look up to him.
“He’s a hero. He’s been in the game a long time and knows what is coming. I’ll keep my head down, aim to be as good as him and take as much advice as I can.”
Gainford’s outlook is as impressive as his riding.
Highly touted when arriving on the scene as a claimer, Cheltenham purists saw his temperament and style when he accepted the responsibility of landing the bonus on The Shunter in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase for Emmet Mullins.
It’s not just in his own yard. Gainford is part of the Hewick fairytale and rode Shark Hanlon’s £ 800 yak to victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown before last July’s Galway Plate and the American Grand National in New Jersey, which means he’s a Gold Cup hope.
Elliott rewards hard work. Gainford puts it in but he’s got the wise head to go with his horse-friendly hands.
He said: “I’m with a great team at Cullentra, with Gordon my boss and a great team of lads behind me as well. I can’t complain. You keep driving on, work harder and hope the opportunities will come. In fairness, they have and
I’m very appreciative of it.
“I take in information and watch plenty of replays. I would watch races back and study them. It’s important and I take any advice that comes my way.
“I’m with Jack every day, Denis O’Regan and Davy. There are numerous lads you can name who are so helpful and it’s great to be in that bubble.
“You need to take the opportunities you get, you work hard for them and you keep the head down.”
Such is the power of the Elliott team, Gainford will still get those big chances, such as Gerri Colombe. He said: “There’s a big team of horses and hopefully they all arrive in good shape. If one comes my way, great. If not, I’ll keep the head down.”