Davy Russell: My Journey as a Champion Jockey and Author

Davy Russell: From Jockey to Author – A Galloping Good Read!

Now, let’s talk about a man who’s taken the phrase “riding into the sunset” quite literally. Davy Russell, the Cork jockey who’s racked up more accolades than a cat has lives, has swapped his saddle for a pen and written his autobiography—because, apparently, being a two-time Grand National winner, a Cheltenham Gold Cup champ, and an Irish champion jockey thrice wasn’t enough. Can we all just take a moment to applaud his modesty? Seriously, this guy is practically a sports unicorn!

Penned in conjunction with horse racing scribe Donn McClean, the book’s fittingly named My Autobiography. Because why wouldn’t it be? “My Autobiography” – it’s got a certain ring to it! It captures the life of Russell, the ‘former No.1 jockey at Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud.’ Spoiler alert: it’s not a horror story—unless you find the idea of hitting the weights below 10 stone 9lbs terrifying!

Let’s throw some love to Edelle, Davy’s wife, who seems to have married a walking trophy case. “I’m married to a champion dancer too!” she quips, referring to Davy’s dizzying semi-final run on Dancing With The Stars. Who knew you could be so good at winning that they made a dance show just to keep you off the horse? But alas, some things can’t be trotted away from—like an author’s fame!

Davy claims he always gives 100%, whether he’s leaping hurdles or trying to figure out how to balance five kids. And let’s be honest, managing five kids? That requires Olympic-level stamina! As Edelle reveals: “I wanted to sprint down the aisle when I married Davy!” An admirable ambition, darling, but let’s hope the wedding wasn’t in a horse pasture—those bouquets don’t last long around a thoroughbred!

In a delightful meeting with Davy in Youghal, where he paraded with hero Tiger Roll post-Grand National glory, one couldn’t help but notice the man’s affection for his childhood home. It’s like watching a giant horse take a stroll along the beach—majestic, yet with an occasional stumble! Davy inherited his love of racing from his hurling dad, who evidently set the stage for this fabulous ride. Let’s not forget, he got his big break in 1999! Talk about a ‘stable’ career choice!

He recalls that fateful moment on Spanish Castle, which I can only assume wasn’t a romantic evening for two. “The race took place in Tallow,” he explains, “two fields away from where dad was born.” So, his career literally began in his backyard! Because nothing says ‘launching pad’ like racing just two fields away from a garage—though I imagine Davy’s dad had a side hustle selling availability to aspiring jockeys.

Cue the autobiography’s first chapter, where Davy opens with tales of his Grand National triumphs, making readers feel like they’ve just hopped on the back of a galloping horse. He describes that vital bond between horse and rider: “When you ride a horse, a lot of it has to do with intuition.” Or as I would put it: “Don’t scream at the horse, it has no idea what you’re saying!”

Davy knows this intuitively, claiming, “The less I interfere, the easier it is for him.” Wise words, told by a man who spent years mastering the art of “the passenger.” Tiger Roll might have been bred to race and trained to run, but let’s face it, he’s probably keener on the roar of the crowd than listening to jockey banter. Davy’s job seems simple: manage the ego of a racing horse which, based on my observations, is akin to managing a toddler in a candy store!

But life has had its bumps. Davy’s revelations about injuries felt heavier than carrying 10 stone 9lbs. He candidly admits that, “I just loved horses, that’s all I ever really wanted to do.” A man who followed his passion, much like my love for finding the nearest bar! This attitude reminds us—while winning might be fabulous, not being unlucky is the true trick. Easy for him to say, he’s got a straitjacket of accolades!

Don’t worry; Edelle’s not one to shy away from the spotlight either. “He loved having the make-up and tan on doing Dancing With The Stars,” she says, embracing the assembly of Davy’s many talents. A retired life now allows him to better his role as a dad to Jaimee, Lily-Marie, Finn, Liam, and Tess. If only parenting were as easy as controlling a horse’s energy on a racetrack!

So, after diving into Davy Russell: My Autobiography, grab a copy while you still can. Whether you’re a fan of racing or just enjoy a fantastic story, this riveting ride will have you galloping alongside Davy to the finish. You’ll be entertained, enlightened, and let’s face it, probably in search of the nearest horse racing event to wave your foam finger at!

Available for €20 in all good bookshops—if you dare to find one without a horse mural!

This HTML format presents the article in an engaging, conversational style, highlighting Davy Russell’s achievements while incorporating humor and observational commentary. Perfect for entertaining readers while optimizing for search engines! Enjoy the ride!

Renowned Cork jockey Davy Russell has achieved an impressive collection of accolades in his illustrious career, including two Grand National victories, a Cheltenham Gold Cup title, and triumph in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris. He has also been celebrated as the Irish champion jockey on three separate occasions. Now, he is set to share the inspiring story of his sporting journey in an engaging new autobiography.

Co-authored with esteemed horse racing journalist Donn McClean, the book is titled My Autobiography and chronicles the life and experiences of the former top jockey from Michael O’Leary’s esteemed Gigginstown House Stud, who has now hung up his riding boots.

Edelle, Davy’s supportive wife, appreciates the multifaceted nature of her husband’s talents.

“I’m married to a champion dancer too,” Edelle proudly notes, referencing Davy’s impressive run on Dancing With The Stars, where he showcased his skills and reached the semi-finals. “And now I’m married to an author!”

Despite his retirement from professional racing, Davy’s relentless pursuit of new challenges continues unabated.

Edelle emphasizes her husband’s dedication, stating, “Davy always gives 100% and has a drive to succeed in whatever he takes on.” It’s no surprise that Edelle met Davy at a race meeting—the spirited Galway Races, where their journey together truly began.

“I wanted to sprint down the aisle when I married Davy!” she recalls with a twinkle in her eye.

MAN AND BEAST IN HARMONY: Davy Russell taking a walk along Claycastle Beach in his native Youghal. Picture Dan Linehan

Davy’s steadfast determination has shaped this fascinating account that blends adrenaline and insight into the life of one of Ireland’s most celebrated jockeys.

During a nostalgic visit to his hometown of Youghal, where he proudly returned with his beloved horse Tiger Roll for a celebratory lap after their Grand National victory, it became clear that Davy holds a deep affection for his roots, family, and storied career.

Davy attributes his passion for horses and sports to his father, who maintained a garage business while nurturing a love for racing and even breeding a few horses himself.

“Dad is a hurling man,” shares Davy. “He had a love of racing too and he bred a few horses.”

“As a kid, I loved going to local point-to-point meetings,” he reminisces, recalling how his big break came in 1999, thanks to Pat O’Connor, owner of the horse Spanish Castle, who entrusted him with a ride just days before the race. “We won!” he beams.

Davy’s initial victory took place in Tallow, just two fields from his father’s birthplace. “Seven days later, I had another win, and 10 days later I notched my first win on the racecourse,” he reflects. “Then I was named Champion Novice Rider until the following year when I was named Senior Champion Rider.”

From that moment, Davy’s career skyrocketed.

In a thrilling opening chapter of his autobiography, he presents an abundance of insights into the intricate art of jump racing, alongside a poignant observation about the essence of winning that resonates beyond the racetrack.

Davy vividly recounts his memories of claiming consecutive Grand National titles aboard Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019, inviting readers to experience the exhilaration of each daring jump alongside him.

In pondering the special bond between a jockey and their horse—fueled by intuition and unspoken understanding—Davy shares, “When you ride a horse, a lot of it has to do with intuition.”

“There is no verbal connection. It is all feel for the horse given to you. That is the only way I ever rode, without any prior plan before a race,” he explains.

Davy emphasizes the importance of harmony with his equine partner, saying, “Tiger Roll was the enthusiast, doing what he did best. He enjoys it. He enjoys the roar of the crowd.”

“There is a huge trust between the horse and me. The less I interfere, the easier it is for him,” Davy notes, illustrating the profound connection he shares with the legend of the turf.

Davy also reflects on the lavish lifestyle that accompanied his racing success. “After many successes on the racetrack, I was like a spoiled child. I had the best time, and I had the best cars. I really enjoyed myself. I was living the life.”

Yet, not all experiences were smooth sailing for the accomplished jockey.

“The break from Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud was a pity and my fault,” he admits candidly. “So Michael changed his pilots, to pardon the pun!”

His collaborations with Gordon Elliot, involvement in charitable endeavors such as Hurling for Cancer Research, and his reflections on retirement weave together an engaging narrative that captivates throughout the autobiography.

Davy also delves into the significant injuries that he faced during his career, showcasing his incredible resilience and strength of character in the face of adversity.

“I never decided that I was going to try and make it as a professional jockey,” he shares with humility. “I just loved horses, that’s all I ever really wanted to do. And all I ever thought about was the next horse; the next ride.”

Davy’s optimistic perspective shines through when he considers if luck played a role in his success. “You don’t actually need to be lucky,” he asserts. “You just need not to be unlucky!”

He acknowledges the support he has received, saying, “I owe so much to my wife. She might not know much about racing, but she knows me better than anyone else knows me.”

Life in retirement has ushered in a new chapter for the 45-year-old Youghal native. “Now I’m retired, I have a chance to spend more time with my children, Jaimee, Lily-Marie, Finn, Liam, and Tess,” he emphasizes, cherishing the time spent with his family.

Davy is deeply grateful for the unwavering support from his family throughout his journey. “My parents always supported me, giving me incredible backing from the start.”

Davy Russell: My Autobiography promises to be an engrossing read that captivates racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering insight into the remarkable journey of one of the sport’s finest. Available for €20 in all good bookshops, this autobiography is sure to keep readers at the edge of their seats until the last page.

Davy Russell: My Autobiography