Davy Russell joined Friday Night Racing for its last incarnation of 2019 and discussed how he deals with the abuse that comes with being a high-profile sports star.
The Cork jockey, who rode Tiger Roll to victory in the last two Grand Nationals at Aintree, has had a career of great success but has never been immune from criticism or vitriolic abuse.
While many would argue the rise of social media has exacerbated the issue of abuse on sports stars and celebrities, Russell says it is something he has actually handled better with age.
"It's easier. Please don't get me wrong; I don't mean I don't care. Of course, I care what people think. They are very important but the people I care about are the owners and the trainers and the network of people around," Russell told Ger Gilroy and Johnny Ward.
"And then there are people who I think are excellent race readers. Now, they may never have touched or raced a horse in their life but they just have an uncanny knack of reading a race that I would respect.
"That's the way life is. And after that then if unfortunately there's money lost that's fine but I felt at the time that they were the cards I was dealt so they were the cards I played."
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