Racing:Davy Russell will see a specialist on Tuesday to determine to severity of the broken leg he suffered at Listowel on Thursday. The jockey parted company with Mister Two Fifty in the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase and it was later confirmed that he had fractured his tibia.
He has now been released from hospital in Tralee, though, and Russell’s agent Andrew Kelly is hopeful the injury may not be as severe as first feared.
“He’s not too bad and he’s been released out of hospital with a cast on his leg,” said Kelly. “He’s going to see a specialist on Tuesday and we’ll have a better idea of how bad it is after that. He’s not sure himself and we’re hoping it’s not too bad as the doctors think it’s just a crack — it hasn’t disconnected or anything.”
Russell had a to forget after earlier failing a breath test upon his arrival at the track, despite the fact he doesn’t drink.
Russell, who has not had a drink for 15 years, was randomly tested and recorded a level twice the allowed amount, registering 75 micrograms of ethanol per 100 millimetres of breath. The limit is 35. He was given clearance to ride after a second test proved negative.
The jockey claimed that using mouthwash after brushing his teeth caused him to fail the test but as he arrived at the track early he was able to take a successful second test.
“I don’t drink, the last time I had a drink was 15 years ago and that was the only time — I have no interest in drink.” said Russell. “Fortunately because I’d arrived here early they allowed me take a second test, half an hour after the first one, and that proved negative.
“It has to bring into question the whole system of breath-testing jockeys. So if I’d been a bit later to the track I wouldn’t have been allowed to ride because if you fail within half an hour of your ride you can’t ride.”