Davy Russell to follow in footsteps of Nina Carberry and participate in Ireland's Dancing with the Stars in 2024

Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell will take on a new challenge in January after he was revealed as a contestant for the seventh series of Ireland's Dancing with the Stars.

Russell, who won the 2014 Gold Cup aboard Lord Windermere before landing back-to-back Grand Nationals on Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019, will participate in the dancing competition, which begins on January 8.

Russell will attempt to emulate fellow Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Nina Carberry, who won the fifth series of Dancing with the Stars in 2022, with episodes airing every Sunday at 6.30pm on RTE.

On his novel assignment, Russell said: "It's exciting. And it's so very different to what I'm used to, it's a new venture. It’s really hard to keep it a secret from friends and family.

"I have itchy fingers and I'm ready to pull the trigger. My wife always told me we need to get dancing lessons before our wedding. I said no, and now I'm regretting this decision."

The 44-year-old retired from race-riding after steering Liberty Dance to victory at Thurles on December 18 last year before making a shock return to the saddle only a few weeks later to help out long-time boss Gordon Elliott.

Davy Russell: 12-1 with Ladbrokes for Dancing with the StarsCredit: Patrick McCann

Russell announced his return on January 11 after Jack Kennedy broke his leg, with his intention to help out Elliott in the absence of Cullentra's first jockey.

He failed to ride a winner at his final Cheltenham Festival, where he was criticised by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary over his decision to come out of retirement. However, he bounced back to record Grade 1 victories at Aintree aboard Gerri Colombe in the Mildmay Novices' Chase and Irish Point in the Mersey Novices' Hurdle before retiring for good at the conclusion of the Grand National meeting in April.

Russell's competition on the show includes Wild Youth member David Whelan, newsreader Eileen Dunne, presenter Laura Fox, TikTok star Miriam Mullins and Fair City actor Shane Quigley Murphy.

Ladbrokes have priced up Russell as a 12-1 chance to win the competition with former Miss World Rosanna Davison the 6-1 favourite.

Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "First Frankie in the jungle, and now Davy on the dancefloor. Whether or not he can transfer his talents on the track to the ballroom remain to be seen, with a few ahead of him in the pecking order for the Glitterball Trophy."

Other racing stars who have been involved in reality shows . . .

• Frankie Dettori was the first contestant to be voted out of the latest series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! on Sunday
• ITV Racing pundit Matt Chapman was selected as commentator for the channel’s Dancing On Ice show in January 2018, but left the role after just one week
• Former champion Flat jockey Willie Carson finished fifth in the 11th series of I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2011
• Former champion jump jockey Richard Dunwoody took part in the seventh series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 when he partnered Lilia Kopylova. The pair were eliminated in the second week
• Broadcaster and pundit John McCririck took part in the third series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2005 and was evicted on day 12. He later returned as part of the Ultimate Big Brother house in 2010

Read these next:

No jump racing for second consecutive day with Southwell's Tuesday fixture off due to a waterlogged track 

‘This is kind of a big one for us’ - Callisto Star caps December Mares Sale opener at 675,000gns 

Constitution Hill 'more likely' than he was to line up in Fighting Fifth at Sandown on Saturday - Nicky Henderson 

The Racing Post Annual 2024 is out now! This exciting review of the racing year has 208 colour pages packed with the best stories and is beautifully illustrated with stunning images. The perfect gift at £19.99. To order, click here or call 01933 304858.