Sidelined Davy Russell ruled out of Punchestown festival

Davy Russell's six-month absence from the saddle will not end at Punchestown next week after it was confirmed on Thursday evening that he is still not ready to return to competitive action.

The Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey has been sidelined since a heavy fall from Doctor Duffy in the Munster National at Limerick on October 11, having fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae and dislocated his T1.

The 41-year-old three-time Irish champion had been pushing hard to make it back for the five-day season finale, which gets under way on Tuesday, but his absence from the meeting was confirmed when communications spokesman Bill Esdaile tweeted that the jockey isn't ready to be reunited with Envoi Allen for Tuesday's big clash with Monkfish.

"Just spoke to Davy Russell who confirmed he won't be back for Punchestown next week. He continues to build towards his return and, although his neck feels better, he wants to be 100 per cent fit to ride the likes of Envoi Allen and will target a less high-profile return," Esdaile revealed on Twitter.

Russell, who has ridden 12 Grade 1 winners at the Punchestown festival since 2007 aboard the likes of Solwhit, Sir Des Champs, Delta Work and The Storyteller, suggested earlier this week that he would probably return in September if failing to ride at Punchestown.

Now that Punchestown has been missed as a target, he could be set for a prolonged stint out of the saddle.

Cheveley Park managing director Chris Richardson told the Racing Post last week that the Cork native would be offered the ride on Envoi Allen if back in the saddle for Punchestown, with the star novice bidding to get back on track against Monkfish after falling at the fourth in the Marsh Novices' Chase when 4-9 favourite.

It remains to be seen who will now partner the high-class novice in the Dooley Insurance Group Novice Chase on Tuesday, with Jack Kennedy having ridden him in each of his four starts this term during Russell's absence. Henry de Bromhead's main rider Rachael Blackmore also enjoyed high-profile success in the Cheveley Park colours at Cheltenham last month.

If you want more on Punchestown:

Colreevy set to take on superstars Monkfish and Envoi Allen in Grade 1 farewell

'We're not frightened of anyone' – Skelton's Nube Negra to tackle Mullins stars

Henry de Bromhead: Jack Kennedy to ride Minella Indo at Punchestown

Clan Des Obeaux to tackle Ireland's finest as Nicholls opts for Punchestown

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