Davy Russell has retired from race-riding after celebrating a final winner on home turf.
The 43-year-old, who struck aboard Liberty Dance at Thurles, has been a professional jockey for over 20 years and was named Irish jumps champion on three occasions.
Announcing he was calling time on his career in the saddle, he said in a statement: "My journey began 43 years ago with the support of my parents who gave me the most outstanding childhood - never restricting me and giving me the freedom to begin my journey. My mother is no longer here but she has always had my back - I still feel her watching over me today."
In a stellar career, Russell took the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup on Lord Windermere and two renewals of Aintree's Grand National on Tiger Roll.
He made the shock call to quit just a day after Frankie Dettori told his fans he would retire at the end of 2023.
Russell, who started out in point-to-points, is the most successful current jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, with 25 wins to his name. But over the years he battled many serious injuries and spent 11 months on the sidelines when Doctor Duffy fell in the 2020 Munster National.
Russell badly hurt his neck and back, finding the strength to go through arduous treatment and resume life in the saddle.
In his retirement statement, following the Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares' Novice Hurdle, the sportsman thanked his supporters. The lengthy list includes owners Gigginstown, led by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary and Gordon Elliott, who trained Grand National titan Tiger Roll and his final winner earlier today.
"Plenty have had my back during the tougher times," Russell added. "Robert Tyner and Philip Reynolds thank you for being there when I needed it the most. Colman Walsh, my brother-in-law, has been a huge part of my life while I must also mention Peter Vaughan and Philip Fenton. Dr Lambe for some special festival days and ‘Frosty’ Kelly and Kevin O’Ryan for booking all those winners. In more recent years, Kenny Haughey has been a huge supporter of mine too.
"There must also be a special mention for Gigginstown – Michael, Anita, Eddie and Wendy. You gave me the opportunity and trusted in me, taking me to places and to days I could only ever have dreamed about. You took me to the next level. You let me ride a remarkable little warrior called Tiger Roll. The horse of my lifetime.
"As for Gordon Elliott, well, what can I say. We rode together as amateurs, and I’ve been lucky enough to watch you become the trainer you are today. For the last few years, you have made me part of your team and have always done everything to help me asking for nothing in return.
"The truth is there are just so many people to thank and you know who you are."
