Davy Russell partnered 4-1 favourite Tiger Roll to a second successive Aintree Grand National success today and afterwards he dedicated the win to former Cork footballer Kieran O’Connor.
Amidst all the euphoria of the Gordon Elliott trained 4-1 favourite’s fantastic achievement, Russell took time out to remember his fellow county man, who is battling Ewing’s Sarcoma Cancer, shortly after he had passed the finishing post in front.
“There’s a guy at home, Kieran O’Connor from Aghada and he’s going through an enormous battle and just to let him know that we are thinking of him,” Russell said on Virgin Media Sport.
“He played football for Cork.
"He gave his life to sport and he’s a real fan of mine, this one’s for Kieran.”
Tweet"I can't believe it. Ah jaysus, I can't."
Brilliant interview with @_Davy_Russel_ after the Corkman wins back to back Grand National's on Tiger Roll!#Aintree