Irish jump jockey Davy Russell cemented his local hero status recently — by thwarting some diesel thieves.
Trainer Jimmy Mangan had two runners heading to Gowran Park in Kilkenny on 24 January. But en route to the racecourse, his box was targeted by thieves.
“They were driving along in Co Waterford when a car passed the box and pulled in, forcing driver Pat Murphy to stop,” Jimmy told H&H.
“Three big guys got out and started to try to suck out diesel from the lorry.”
Luckily for Pat, Davy was passing by, also on his way to the races. Spotting the lorry, he jumped out to help.
“Davy scared them off,” said Jimmy, who trained 2003 Grand National winner Monty’s Pass. “They said they’d just needed a drop of diesel and then took off.
Pat and the horses were fine — it gave him quite a fright though.”
All arrived safely at Gowran Park and Davy duly won the main race on the card, riding Bog Warrior.
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (7 February 2013)
