Youghal's Davy Russell was obsessed with riding his pony as a boy and cut his teeth in pony flapping before point-to-points. He went on to win two Grand Nationals, a Gold Cup and three Irish championships, and he still backs pony racing as a pathway for kids.
Pony racing days
Started out on Ireland's pony racing circuit. In his words: 'We all did the pony flapping when we were kids.' Then rode in point-to-points from 1999.
Career highlights
Three-time Irish champion jump jockey; won the Grand National twice, the Cheltenham Gold Cup (Lord Windermere, 2014) and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris.