Davy Russell has made it clear that once Jack Kennedy recovers from a broken leg, he will go back into retirement... even if that happens before the Cheltenham Festival.
The Cork rider will return to action on Saturday less than a month after retiring from the saddle after Kennedy suffered the fifth leg break of his career at Naas last Sunday.
Russell says there was only going to be one answer when Gordon Elliott asked him to come back following Kennedy's injury, but insists it is not a U-turn.
READ MORE: Davy Russell Cheltenham odds as first rides back at Fairyhouse detailed
Expanding on his decision in his blog for Star Sports, the 43-year-old said: "How’s the retirement going? It was going great until last weekend when Jack’s [Kennedy] spill changed everything. It was terrible to lose a lovely horse in Top Bandit and then for Jack to have broken his leg made things even worse for the yard. He’s hasn’t half had some rotten luck and that’s the fifth time he’s broken his leg – crazy for one so young.
"As I said in my announcement yesterday, we are a close team in Cullentra so when Gordon [Elliott] asked me the question if I’d come back and help ride a few as they needed me, there was only ever going to be one answer. You see I’ve only been finished a matter of weeks and have done plenty in Gordon’s. As I joked in my statement, I actually sat on more on Wednesday than I’ve done in years.
"The timing of Jack’s accident is bad. These things are never good, but if it had happened let’s say two or three months later, there would have been no decision to make. There are so many young talented pilots in Gordon’s and their days will come for sure. It’s just a bit early for some of the more high-profile horses and that’s where I am happy to help.
"Plenty have asked whether I’ll be at Cheltenham, will I go to Aintree? How long will this come back last? Listen, this is no comeback or u-turn. I’m simply filling in for Jack and when he’s ready to return, I’ll step away again. That may be before Cheltenham, that may be after Cheltenham. The key is I’m there to help a team that has always had my back. That’s why I’ve made the decision to return."
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