Davy Russell is 6/4 to ride a winner at this year's Cheltenham Festival after announcing his shock retirement U-turn on Wednesday night.
The Cork rider retired from the saddle less than a month ago, but will return to action this weekend, with Gordon Elliott's number one stable jockey Jack Kennedy facing a spell on the sidelines following the fifth leg break of his career.
William Hill make Russell 6/4 to add to his 25 Cheltenham Festival winners, while he is just 2/5 to ride one at next month’s Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.
READ MORE: Davy Russell to come out of retirement to cover for injured Jack Kennedy
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “Davy Russell is back in the saddle for one last hurrah after Jack Kennedy’s injury and we think he might go out on a high.
“This is obviously a big time of the year for jockeys with the Dublin Racing Festival, Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown all on the horizon, and we fancy Russell to make good use of his second chance with the Irishman 6/4 to add to his haul of Cheltenham winners, while he’s 2/5 to ride a winner at the Dublin Racing Festival. Much will depend on the speed of Kennedy’s recovery, but we think there’s a good chance Russell will be getting some good rides come March at Prestbury Park. ”
Russell only retired last month, after riding a winner at Thurles on December 18.
The 43-year-old – who won the Grand National twice on Tiger Roll and the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Lord Windermere – had been a key part of the riding team at Elliott’s along with Kennedy.
However, with Kennedy now out of action in the lead up to the big spring festivals, Russell has reversed his decision and will resume his career at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
In a statement issued on his behalf, Russell said: “After meeting with Gordon today, I have decided to come out of retirement and ride for the short period while Jack is on the sidelines.
“It’s only been a matter of weeks since I retired, and I actually rode more out this morning than I have in many years.
“We are a close team in Cullentra and after what happened last weekend, I want to help the team through a difficult few weeks.
“The plan is to resume riding in Fairyhouse on Saturday and Punchestown on Sunday.”
Russell will partner Jazzy Matty in a four-year-old hurdle at 12.27pm on Saturday before riding Bodhisattva in a handicap hurdle at 1.37pm.
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