While news of Ruby Walsh's fall will no doubt sour any Cheltenham celebrations today, the RSA Chase will thankfully provide happier memories for one jockey.
Davy Russell is already a Cheltenham legend. He's had a winner at the Festival ever year since his first on board Native Jack all the way back in 2006.
Among his 19 wins at Cheltenham is a Gold Cup, won on Lord Windermere in 2014, but it's hard to imagine a more special win than his romping home on Presenting Percy in today's RSA Chase.
Recently, Russell and his family suffered the sad loss of his mother. Speaking on TV3 after the race, he paid an emotional tribute to her, while still on board of Presenting Percy.
Look, they're all special, but Mam was the most outstanding woman. She rared six kids, and a business, along with my dad, and they'll be in floods of tears at home.
She was a great woman. She was my mother. It's fantastic.
She was a great woman.
A lovely tribute from Davy, and a great way to honour his mother's memory.
Davy Russell's late mum would be so proud of her champion. Presenting Percy. A timely @CheltenhamRaces @itvracing win. Yeeehaaa! 🏇😎
— Matt Chapman (@MCYeeehaaa) March 14, 2018
Brilliant interview by davy russell after winning on presenting percy especially giving praise to his mother...wonderful stuff.
— Gareth Williams (@GW_fun_dude) March 14, 2018
Davy Russell talking about his mother there really chokes you up
— MickeysFUT (@Woggalcfc) March 14, 2018
Davy Russell talking about his late mother 😢 the man is a class act 👏 #CheltenhamFestival
— Mary (@Mc1988) March 14, 2018
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