Russell ready for return

DAVY Russell is looking forward to returning to race-riding in the next few weeks after nearly a year out through injury The rider has been on the sidelines since dislocating and fracturing vertebrae in a first-fence fall in the Munster National at Limerick in October aboard Doctor Duffy.

Russell, 42, has been working hard on his fitness for the prospect of renewing his association with trainer Gordon Elliott, whose six-month ban for bringing racing into disrepute ends on September 9th.

“We’ve been putting a good old shift in now and it’s all coming together. We’re just waiting for a drop of rain for those better horses to come out,” he said.

CAFRE courses open

THE College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Enniskillen, Co Tyrone, is now accepting applications for its diploma and certificate courses.

There are no tuition fees.

With 70 horses on-site, the Enniskillen campus has strong links with the equine industry.

Among the courses it offers are honours and foundation degree courses in Equine Management, validated by Ulster University. Courses are also available at certificate and diploma level, alongside apprenticeships and farriery courses.

Further information is on page 77.