Davy Russell has been stood down by the doctor on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.
The top jockey fell heavily from Conflated in the Ryanair Chase, when chasing eventual winner Allaho up the straight. Russell, due to ride Gold Cup favourite Galvin on Friday, also took a bad tumble from Sassy Yet Classy in the previous contest.
The 42-year-old was due to race three more times today, but was signed off by the on-course medical team. Russell's remaining rides were reallocated – and Jack Kennedy took the reins on Grand Paradis in the Plate, plus Party Central in the mares' novice' hurdle.
Jordan Gainford switched onto Fancy Foundations in the 4.10 as a result of the changes. It was reported on ITV Racing that Russell was 'a bit sore' after his eventful afternoon.
The setback comes just 24 hours before he is due to ride Galvin in the Festival's feature race. Gordon Elliott's chaser is a very popular pick for the blue riband event – and has course form having won last season's National Hunt Chase.
The eight-year-old finished strongly to overtake A Plus Tard right before the finishing post in the Savills Chase over Christmas. Russell, one of the sport's top riders, has more winners than any other current jockey at the Cheltenham Festival.
In 2021 he returned after 11 months on the sidelines after suffering serious injuries to his neck and back.
He fractured and dislocated vertebrae when Doctor Duffy crashed out at the first fence of the Munster National at Limerick last October. Russell then underwent gruelling treatment to get back in the saddle.
