What a phenomenal year for Davy Russell. Today the smallest horse in the race proved the toughest as Tiger Roll stormed to a phenomenal Grand National success to add to his three Cheltenham successes.
The win marked an extraordinary year for Gordon Elliot, the Irish trainer who enjoyed an unprecedented triumph at Cheltenham last month.
An emotional Davy Russell's thoughts were immediately with another Irish racing legend; "He's an unbelievable horse... this one is for Pat Smullen" he said in the aftermath.
Nine-time Irish flat racing Champion Jockey Pat Smullen has forged an exceptionally successful relationship with trainer Dermot Weld in recent years but is taking a break from the sport in order to concentrate on making a complete recovery following his tumour diagnose.
“This one is for Pat Smullen”
Moments after Davy Russell rides Tiger Roll to victory in the Aintree Grand National, he delivers this heartfelt message.
Davy Russell, What a man!— Rory Fitzgerald (@roryfitz15) April 14, 2018
Absolutely Class Davy Russ dedicating it to pat Smullen 🙏
— Anthony Daly (@DaloAnto) April 14, 2018
Davy Russell, lost for words, but finds them for Pat Smullen #Respect
— Lisa Lawlor (@Lisa_Lawlor) April 14, 2018
The success marks his first in a Grand National. Davy Russell has previously spoken about his childhood dreams of winning this race, today that dream became a reality.
