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ICYMI: Davy Russell retired from all forms of horse-racing this weekend

Grand National and Gold Cup winner Davy Russell announced this weekend that he would be retiring from racing with immediate effect.

The 43-year-old rode 6/5 favourite Liberty Dance to victory at Thurles on Sunday afternoon in the Billy Harney Memorial Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle for trainer Gordon Elliott.

Davy Russell celebrates after riding Tiger Roll to victory during the 2018 Randox Health Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on April 14, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The Youghal native first turned professinal in 2002 and has had 22 winners on horses at Cheltenam, along with numerous winners at other well known racing events during his career.

One of his most famous wins was on Gordon Elliott’s Tiger Roll, the dual National hero that won in 2018 and 2019.

The statement began by saying: "After over 20 years riding as a professional jockey, I’ve decided to call it a day."

"My journey began 43 years ago with the support of my parents who gave me the most outstanding of childhoods – never restricting me and giving me the freedom to begin a journey. My mother is no longer here but she has always had my back - I still feel her watching over me today. As for my dad, I’m lucky to still have him in my life and he’s always been there for me too along with my brothers and sisters.

"I started in point-to-points where I rode for four years managing to become champion novice rider back in 1999. The last two decades have flown by and I’ve just so many to thank. If it wasn’t for Tom O’Mahony, I’d have never made the jump to become a professional. Then there’s the likes of Pat O’Connor, Arthur Moore, Pat and Mary Doyle, John Kiely, Mick O’Brien and Charles Byrnes to name just a few.

🗣️ "I said to Gordon the next one will be the last one."

Man of the moment @_Davy_Russel_ talks to @donnmcclean about the decision to end his riding career. pic.twitter.com/UyY8x0ha0f

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 18, 2022

Russell went on to further add: "Plenty have had my back during the tougher times. 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. To all the stable staff around the land that do all the hard work, to my weighing room colleagues, both professional and amateur, past and present… I salute you all. To the physios, doctors and surgeons, thank you for patching me up. To my sponsors Citipost, Star Sports and the Irish Daily Star, thank you for believing in me.

"Finally, to my wife Edelle and my kids Jaimee, Lily, Finn, Liam and Tess. You are the reason I can hang up my riding boots today. You have taught me what it is to live, and I cannot wait to spend more time with you all at home in Youghal. Of course, I’m sad to be giving up something I’ve been lucky enough to have called a job for so long, but the truth is I’ve never actually worked a day in my life."