Champion jockey Russell reflects on 'fantastic' campaign A haul of 119 winners and over €2.6 million in prize money gave Davy Russell his third National Hunt Jockeys' Championship. Russell, 38, won his first title in 2011/12 and followed up in 2012/13. The Corkman won the prestigious Aintree Grand National on board Gordon Elliott's Tiger Roll earlier this month. Davy Russell said: “It’s just fantastic. Leaving Punchestown last year I didn’t think I’d be champion jockey this year. “Willie (Mullins) actually got the season off to a very good start which meant that Ruby (Walsh) also got off to a good start but then Ruby got injured. The winners kept coming with a lot of support from different trainers and owners. “I thought the day was gone when I could ride well over 100 winners in a season. It’s thanks to Gordon and all his team and all the support I’m after getting from a lot of people including Gigginstown. “It’s been a great year and I’ll just try and keep it going now. It starts again on Monday and we have to go and do it all over again. “The Grand National is very special as I never thought I’d win one. That’s a career highlight and a dream come true. Presenting Percy was another very good horse for me this season, and really I’ve been very lucky. “I feel a lot more content with my life now as I’ve a beautiful wife and kids, and I think I’ve learned my lesson. It’s up to me now to cop myself on and enjoy it now.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee
