Dual Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell praised the bravery of his recently retired weigh room colleague Barry Geraghty.
Geraghty announced his retirement from the saddle over three weeks ago, going out with a bang as Cheltenham festival top jockey.
Speaking on Friday Night Racing on Off The Ball, Davy Russell said Geraghty was an intelligent man you would always listen to for advice.
“Barry was obviously a stalwart in the game. He was a funny guy. He was never the centre of attention unless he was adding to a conversation. You wanted to listen to him," recalled Tiger Roll's rider.
“He was a very intelligent and bright chap and just a great fella to be around and ride against. He will be a very hard man to replace but every time someone retires, someone new is going to step into his shoes.
“He was just simply a great rider. He was shocking brave and hard as iron. I’ve seen him take some horrendous falls and walk away from them. His attitude to come back from injury was fantastic.”
Reflecting on his own career, Russell is one of the few remaining stalwarts from the ‘Golden Generation of Racing’ left in the game. This role has led him to become a voice of advice and reason.
While Davy Russell said he doesn’t have an issue with supplying advice, he said a lot of young jockeys can fret unnecessarily.
“I have no problem giving advice, but you have to take it carefully. If you really have an issue and you want someone to help you that’s fine. But some lads can come up and ask stupid questions. That can be hard.
“A lot of lads worry about things that there’s nothing to worry about. It can be hard to tell a young lad that there is nothing to worry about. A little bit of patience can cure a lot of things.
“Young lads can struggle when listening to simple advice and taking it at its worth.”
Davy Russell and Jim Bolger Hurling for Cancer
Davy Russell was speaking as a supporter for the annual Hurling for Cancer fundraiser. This year Hurling For Cancer Research 2020 goes virtual with all money donated to Irish Cancer Society.
Instead of Jim Bolger’s and Davy Russell’s teams lining-out in St Conleth’s Park on Tuesday, August 11, a host of stars will take part in a virtual hurling skills challenge to raise much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research.
Anyone can participate in the challenge. The Irish Cancer Society just ask those taking part to make a donation to help the charity continue their vital work to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Just follow these simple steps: 1. Make a donation via: www.justgiving.com/hurlingforcancer
2. Share your skill on Instagram or Twitter, tagging Hurling For Cancer and Irish Cancer Society (@Hurling4cancer and @irishcancerSoc on Twitter and @hurling4cancer and @irishcancersociety on Instagram) with the hashtag #hurlingforcancer
3. Nominate three friends to take on the challenge and show us their skill.
Online Auction
If showing your skills online isn’t your thing, you can still support Hurling For Cancer Research and pick up some once in a lifetime memorabilia and experiences via a dedicated online auction. The full list of auction items is now available to view at www.galabid.com/hurlingforcancer
The online auction closes on Tuesday August 11 at 6:30pm, on what should have been throw-in time for the 2020 renewal.
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