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Russell at the Punchestown Festival in April ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Bad luck

Davy Russell fails breath test... apparently because of mouth wash

Is this the unluckiest day in Irish sporting history?

YESTERDAY WAS NOT a good day for Davy Russell.

Upon his arrival in Listowel, he failed a breath test- which Russell says was as a result of using mouthwash. “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 the Corkman.

Fortunately for Russell, he was allowed to take the test again. “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.”

The Irish Champion Hurdle and RSA Chase winner’s luck didn’t pick up though, as his mount Mister Two Fifty crashed out in the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase, leaving Russell in Tralee General Hospital with injuries to the right side of his chest, his right upper limb and right upper back.

His day got even worse though, as the horse he was meant to ride in the Devon Inn Hotel Handicap Hurdle (Lough Ferrib) ended up winning with substitute rider Davy Condon.