DAVY RUSSELL will make a stunning return to the saddle just weeks after he announced his retirement.
As Sunracing revealed on Tuesday, the 43-year-old was contemplating a quick u-turn to help out his old ally Gordon Elliott.
Elliott and Russell will partner up at Fairyhouse and Punchestown this weekend
Elliott’s current number one jockey Jack Kennedy is sidelined with a broken leg he suffered at the weekend.
Russell, best known for his exploits on Tiger Roll, has continued to ride out at Cullentra House and will be back in action as soon as this Saturday at Fairyhouse.
The jockey, who retired on December 19, said: “After meeting with Gordon, I have decided to come out of retirement and ride for the short period while Jack is on the sidelines.
“It’s only been a matter of weeks since I retired, and I actually rode more out yesterday morning than I have in many years.
“We are a close team in Cullentra and after what happened last weekend, I want to help the team through a difficult few weeks.
“The plan is to resume riding in Fairyhouse on Saturday and Punchestown on Sunday.”
Kennedy faces a race against time to be back for the Cheltenham Festival and is due to see a surgeon on Friday.
Russell is likely to be number one for the time being with young gun Jordan Gainford also ready to step up.
The big racing comes thick and fast with the Dublin Racing Festival kicking off on February 4.
