Champion jockey to visit Ballina this month

A legendary jockey is coming to Ballina later this month to lead a panel of experts for a Cheltenham Preview Night in aid of a major local project.

With 25 wins at horse racing’s premier festival, including a run of 13 years in a row in which he recorded a win, Davy Russell ranks among the most accomplished jockeys to have ridden at Cheltenham. His 2014 capture of the Cheltenham Gold Cup riding Lord Windermere was among his biggest achievements.

Russell has also won the Grand National twice, riding Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019 and followed this up a month later by winning the 2019 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris on the back of Carriacou. He is a three-time Irish jump racing Champion jockey for the 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2017-18 and is one of the defining figures of one of the most successful eras for Irish horse racing.

The Cork native will take his deep and vast knowledge of the sport to Ballina for a Cheltenham Preview Night in aid of Ballina Sensory Park.

Davy will lead a panel of experts, which includes renowned trainer Paul Gilligan, who has a number of successes at Cheltenham under his belt. Expect to hear some top tips for the Festival ahead and stories from the world of horse racing from the expert panel.

With a raffle and spot prizes on the night, it is set to be a brilliant evening of racing chat ahead of Cheltenham, all in aid of a fantastic cause.

The event is hosted by Ballina Community Clean-Up and Flow Community Project. It takes place at the Ballina Manor Hotel on Tuesday, February 24 at 7.30pm. Entry is €20 on the night.