Leading Irish rider Davy Russell was taken ill at Punchestown on Sunday after his second ride of the day and had to give up his remaining rides on the card due to his illness.
The three time champion jockey on his first ride of the day which came in the second event on the card, the Voler La Vedette Mares Novice Hurdle and he was a narrow runner up on board the Gordon Elliott trained Mount Ida.
Russell did not feel right after that and whilst in the parade ring ahead of his next mount on Artic Pearl he explained he felt very ill and could not take up the ride which saw Jack Kennedy take his spot.
This meant that the rider missed his ride on last seasons Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy who made his return in the Grade One John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase where he could only finish third.
JJ Slevin picked up his ride with his owner Philip Reynolds being over the moon with his geldings first run of the season which he will be sure to come on for.
(Credit At The Races) However, Russel said on his illness: “I still feel a bit sick, to be honest.
“I’m not riding at Tramore tomorrow (Tuesday). Hopefully I’ll be back for the weekend after having some medication.”