Davy Russell has decided to come out of retirement and ride for Gordon Elliott while stable jockey Jack Kennedy is injured.

Russell retired from race-riding a week before Christmas but the 43-year-old announced on Wednesday night that he would return to the saddle next weekend.

In a statement issued to the media, Russell said: "After meeting with Gordon today, I have decided to come out of retirement and ride for the short period while Jack is on the sidelines.

"It’s only been a matter of weeks since I retired, and I actually rode more out this morning than I have in many years.

"We are a close team in Cullentra and, after what happened last weekend, I want to help the team through a difficult few weeks. The plan is to resume riding in Fairyhouse on Saturday and Punchestown on Sunday."

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT SATURDAY