Tag Archive for: Lucinda Russell

Jefferson thrilled to take Kelso feature with Lavida Adiva

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Lavida Adiva relished the step up in trip to give Ruth Jefferson a welcome big winner in the Ladbrokes ‘Big-Value You Can Bet On’ Mares’ Hurdle at Kelso.

Jefferson has suffered the misfortune of losing a couple of her best horses this season, so this Listed success will give the whole yard a boost.

Lavida Adiva, ridden confidently by Brian Hughes, had won at Aintree on Boxing Day and finished second at Market Rasen before slightly disappointing at Ayr last time out.

Sent off a 5-1 chance, Hughes waited while Sacre Coeur and then the favourite Wyenot pressed on, but the former champion always looked to have a double handful and so it proved, winning by nine lengths from Ottizini, who ruined her claims by jumping out to the right.

“It was a fairly run race, it was her first time up in that class and over that trip and some of those against her had run in those races before, but she took advantage on the day, that’s all she can do,” said Jefferson.

“It’s lovely for Drew and Ailsa (Russell, owners) as they are good supporters of mine. We’ve had some good horses in the past, we’ve had some good luck and we’ve had some bad luck.

“She wasn’t a hugely expensive horse and she’s been consistent so it’s nice to win a big race like that for them.

“Winning a race like this, with a horse like her and for owners like Drew and Ailsa, big supporters of northern racing, are everything what this series is about.”

Hughes doubled up on Donald McCain’s Malicash (6-1) who took advantage of the fall of Rocheval in the Ladbrokes ‘Get Rewarded With Ladbucks’ Novices’ Hurdle.

The Lucinda Russell-trained pair of Cadell and Your Own Story dominated the Ladbrokes ‘Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing’ Handicap Chase throughout, with Cadell just holding on.

With Derek Fox sidelined through injury, Alan Doyle stepped in for the ride and got the fractions spot on from the front on the 15-8 joint-favourite.

The likes of The Last Samuri, Yala Enki and Kitty’s Light are recent winners of the race, with all going on to have good careers.

Doyle told ITV Racing: “Best wishes to Derek, he should be here instead of me but I was delighted to get the call.

“This track is a bit tight for him, he didn’t handle the top bend that well but he’s an improving horse, he was down to a good mark and he took advantage of it.

“It’s a great credit to everyone in the yard to be turning these horses out in this form at the end of a very long season.

“I want to say thank you to Derek as he told me how to ride him and he was spot on.”

Russell, who enjoyed a treble at Musselburgh on Friday, then made it 150 winners at Kelso when Starlyte (12-1) ran out a ready winner of the Ladbrokes Go North Cab On Target Handicap Hurdle under Patrick Wadge.

“This is the sort of horse I love, she’s only tiny, she’s slow but she’s got the heart of a lion,” said Russell.

“I love this track, I’ve many happy memories and my first hunter chase winner was here.”



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Derek Fox sidelined following Sedgefield unseat

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Derek Fox is set for a spell on the sidelines following an incident at Sedgefield on Thursday leaving him with stable fractures in both his cervical and lumbar vertebrae.

The dual Grand National winner was riding Ballydisco for Lucinda Russell in the Bet Vickers Handicap Chase when he was unseated four fences from home.

Fox was stretchered into an ambulance and taken to hospital where his injuries were diagnosed.

Russell posted on X: “Following his fall at Sedgefield Racecourse yesterday, Derek Fox has stable fractures to both cervical and lumbar vertebrae that should heal without surgical intervention. The medical team at the track was excellent and the support of his colleagues has been tremendous.”

Fox was unlikely to have a ride in this year’s National and with it the chance to add to his remarkable record in the great race. From just five rides, he has won with the Russell-trained One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023.



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Apple Away camp confident of bold Midlands National bid

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Apple Away will not be winning out of turn if she can claim top honours in the Jenningsbet Midlands Grand National on Saturday.

The Lucinda Russell-trained eight-year-old sent members of the Old Gold Racing syndicate wild with a Grade One victory over hurdles at Aintree two years ago, since when she has plied her trade over the larger obstacles.

Although ultra-consistent, Apple Away has managed only two wins from her 10 chase starts to date and will head for Uttoxeter having finishing second in her last three races, most recently best of the rest behind Famous Bridge in the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month.

Old Gold Racing’s chief executive Ed Seyfried said: “She’s a small mare but she’s got the heart of a lion, or a lioness I suppose. As Peter Scudamore (assistant trainer) says, what she lacks in size, she makes up for in sheer grit.

“A race over further than four miles should be right up her street and while the Scottish National is the target, we just felt that if the ground dried up by the time Ayr came up, we might not be going there expecting such a good run.

“We think she’s going to Uttoxeter with a really, really good chance. Lucinda had Mighty Thunder finish second in the Midlands National before winning the Scottish National and if I can find a bookmaker that will let me have a bet on the double, I might have a go!

“We’re really upbeat and really excited and I have to thank ARC (Arena Racing Company) as they’ve given Old Gold Racing members a great discount on tickets. It will be packed anyway and with plenty of Old Gold members coming along, the atmosphere should be like a football match.”

The likely favourite for the £160,000 contest is Ryan Potter’s Knockanore, who bids to follow up a runaway success in the Eider Chase at Newcastle three weeks ago.

“He was very impressive but has been put up 10lb – which is probably fair enough, but will make it tougher,” said Potter.

“In an ideal world, the race would be in a couple of weeks’ time as it’s quite a quick turnaround for a four-mile race, but he seems to be in good order.

“He stayed no problem at Newcastle but I don’t imagine he is an out and out slogger in heavy ground, so hopefully conditions on Saturday will suit him being good to soft, which is similar to Newcastle, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Invincible Nao is on a hat-trick for Gary and Josh Moore following successive winter wins at Plumpton and the former is looking forward to seeing how the seven-year-old fares over the marathon trip of four and a quarter miles.

He said: “It was the obvious race for him after his last win in the Sussex National. He could ideally have done with a bit softer ground I think, but he’s going further than he’s been before and the ground might actually help him stay better if it’s not too testing.

“The lad who rides him every day is very happy with him and he’s training well and he goes there on the back of two wins and in good form. In a valuable race like that, you have to take a chance and it would be good if he could run well.”



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Lucinda Russell continues Ultima domination with Myretown

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Myretown produced a brilliant front-running performance at Cheltenham to earn trainer Lucinda Russell her third victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase from the last four runnings.

The eight-year-old, wearing the same silks and by the same sire in former Arc hero Dylan Thomas as Russell’s stable stalwart Ahoy Senor, looked comfortable in the hands of Patrick Wadge in taking the early lead.

It was an advantage Myretown did not relinquish and a fantastic jump at the final fence saw him burst clear of Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man before streaking clear to romp home by 11 lengths as the 13-2 favourite. Malina Girl was third for Gavin Cromwell.

Russell said: “I wasn’t keen on running him, but the owners said ‘come on, let’s have a go’ and he was well handicapped if he jumped round, I just didn’t know if he’d be man enough, but it looks like he is.

“I’ve just remembered I own half of him so it’s just got even better. He’s phenomenal and I always thought he might be another Ahoy Senor – we bought him because he looks like Ahoy Senor.

“He’s a bit different to Corach Rambler who jumps so exuberantly and Corach was a star, but just a different type of horse.

“This is a brilliant horse and I’m delighted for Patrick, it wasn’t a bad ride for his first Festival winner was it! It was really brave.”

Wadge added: “I couldn’t believe jumping three out I couldn’t hear anyone near me and I just hoped I hadn’t gone too quick. I gave him a squeeze on the bend and he took off – I think he could have gone round again. I can’t thank Lucinda, Scu (Petere Scudamore) and the owners for letting me to ride him, to get a sit on this lad was phenomenal. The faith they had in me was amazing.

“I don’t know how good he could be, but he’s the best I’ve ever sat on and he could be the best I ever will sit on.”

Puturhandstogether (17-2) timed his challenge to perfection to land the Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle for Joseph O’Brien and owner JP McManus.

While Hot Fuss hit the front on the run for home, Puturhandstogether was stalking in behind under the guidance of Mark Walsh, who chose him over stablemate Beyond Your Dreams.

That decision proved fruitful as the leading pair jumped over the final flight together before Puturhandstogether moved to the inside rail to power home by six lengths.

Robbies Rock outran his 50-1 odds to finish second for Cromwell, with Liam Swagger third and Hot Fuss back in fourth.

O’Brien said: “I thought Mark gave him a great ride and at halfway it didn’t look as if he was going that easily, but he came onto the bridle and he really enjoyed the spring ground today.
We were hopeful he would be better when he got to the spring festivals.

“It’s always a special week – it’s special to have runners here and to have a winner for JP makes it even better.

“With our others we’ve run in this we’ve gone on to the Galway Hurdle, so that might be a route we take.”

Rebecca Curtis’ Haiti Couleurs then landed the Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old was the 7-2 joint-favourite under Ben Jones and travelled well throughout the three-mile-six-furlong trip among a field of 18.

The run up the hill involved plenty of misfortune as several horses fell, though thankfully ultimately got to their feet, and it was Haiti Couleurs who was a worthy winner by a margin of four and a half lengths.

“I felt so nervous before this horse ran today, but watching him was almost like watching it all in slow motion,” said Curtis.

“He’s done that well, he deserved that. These guys are great, all his owners. Thanks to everyone at the yard, we’ve got such a great team at home – thank you to them all for working so hard.”

Asked what in particular made her so nervous, she said: “I suppose just because he was favourite and because I wanted him to win so much for these owners, because they’ve been amazing for the yard and my best supporters.

“We’ve only really got 20-odd horses in, we just need more horses now. I know I can do the job, it would just be nice to get a few more.

“He’s such a tough horse. He wouldn’t be overly speedy, he’ll just gallop all day long. His jumping is so quick and accurate.”



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Aintree option for Premier Hurdle hero Jet To Vegas

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Jet To Vegas could be bound for the Grand National meeting at Aintree after springing a minor surprise in the bet365 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso.

Willie Mullins’ Chart Topper was sent off the 5-4 favourite for the Grade Two contest, with the Lucinda Russell-trained Jet To Vegas sent off a relatively unconsidered 16-1 shot under Derek Fox.

He raced prominently throughout, sitting on the outside of the pacesetting Vanderpoel until that rival started to backpedal at the second-last, leaving Jet To Vegas to strike for home.

It looked as though Patrick Mullins was merely biding his time aboard Chart Topper but when he gave the signal, Jet To Vegas found plenty for pressure, pulling two and a half lengths clear at the line.

Russell said: “He’s lovely, isn’t he? I knew the trip was the right thing for him. He normally has to go right-handed, but it was worth taking our chance here.

“When he was fresh he jumped right-handed, but actually when he was tired he jumped straight.

“I kept thinking he’s running too free, but he’s just got so much class he’s fine.

“He’s not in at Cheltenham and we’ll look at Aintree. I can’t wait to go over fences with him because everything about him says chasing.”

Patrick Mullins, riding at Kelso for the first time, made no excuses for the runner-up.

He said: “He ran a cracker and it’s actually a faster track that I had imagined watching the replays.

“My fella has jumped well and travelled well and the winner has just beaten us, no excuses.

“We followed him all the way, he was jumping to his right and I was jumping a little to my right.

“I would say for us it’s yielding ground – it’s more good than soft. It’s beautiful ground and I’d say the winner is a nice horse.

“It’s a fantastic atmosphere and my flight isn’t until 8pm so we get to enjoy it for a bit now and I might be back later in the month for the meeting on March 22.”



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Paddy rallies bravely to take Berkshire Winter Million opener

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Derryhassen Paddy maintained his unbeaten record after a pulsating climax to the curtain-raising Fitzdares Berkshire Winter Million Novices’ Hurdle at Windsor.

Five runners went to post for the opening race of the three-day Berkshire Winter Million, with Lucinda Russell’s Scottish raider Derryhassen Paddy the 2-1 favourite to add to previous victories under rules in a bumper at Ayr and a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter.

Craig Nichol’s mount raced on the speed throughout the three-mile contest and after seeing off the persistent challenge of Dameofthecotswolds, Honky Tonk Highway emerged as the biggest threat at the top of the home straight and briefly poked her head in front under Harry Skelton.

However, Derryhassen Paddy battled back bravely and after a minor barging match on the run-in, the pair flashed by the post almost as one before the judge confirmed Russell’s runner the winner by a nose.

Nichol, riding at Windsor for the first time, told Sky Sports Racing: “He showed a lot of guts, which I liked, and when I ran the track earlier, I thought it might be a bit sharp for him as he’s a lovely, big, galloping horse.

“When I missed the last, I was a bit concerned, but he stuck his head down and dug deep and actually got bumped a couple of times up the run-in. His attitude was absolutely spot-on today.

“When he goes chasing next season, he’ll be a better horse again. I said to Lucinda I can’t wait to ride him over a fence. He’s almost too big and hurdles get in his way a little bit, but he’s an exciting horse for the future.

“Lucinda and Scu (Peter Scudamore) have been very bullish about him ever since I went up and schooled him and rode him and he’s backed that up for everyone today.”

Russell added: “He’s an absolute beast – he’s a lovely, lovely horse. He’s almost a little bit slow at his hurdling, but he’ll be better over fences next year.”

Herakles Westwood was a decisive winner at Windsor
Herakles Westwood was a decisive winner at Windsor (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Warren Greatrex is eyeing a trip to the Cheltenham Festival with Herakles Westwood after he also rewarded favourite backers in the Fitzdares Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

The race changed complexion when the pacesetting Myretown took a crashing fall three fences from home, leaving Deafening Silence in front before a spring-heeled leap from Herakles Westwood at the following obstacle propelled him into the lead.

The 13-8 shot was in the clear approaching the last and skipped over it to seal a comfortable three-and-a-quarter-length verdict in the hands of James Bowen.

Greatrex said: “He’s improving all the time and he’s a very likeable horse who jumps very well and stays well – there’s a lot to like.

“I’d quite like to have a crack at the National Hunt Chase, which is now a novice handicap over three-mile-five. He will get any trip and his jumping is so good and that is the sort of race I’ve been thinking of for a while.”

Panic Attack in full flight at Windsor
Panic Attack in full flight at Windsor (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Panic Attack fairly bolted up in the Lets Bet Personal With Fitzdares Mares’ Handicap Chase for Dan and Harry Skelton.

Following previous spells with Willie Mullins and latterly David Pipe, the nine-year-old returned from 649 days off the track to debut for the Skelton team last month, finishing third on her Ludlow comeback and again at Newbury over the Christmas period.

She was well fancied to go a couple of places better as the 15-8 favourite and duly obliged, cruising to a five-length victory over Mayhem Mya.

“She won well in the end and got the job done really nicely. It’s hard work out there in that ground,” said Harry Skelton.

Hasthing (right) won the final race at Windsor on Friday
Hasthing (right) won the final race at Windsor on Friday (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Hasthing emerged victorious in the concluding Berkshire Winter Million Supports Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Chase.

Trained by Jonjo and AJ O’Neill, and ridden by Jonjo jnr, the JP McManus-owned gelding was the 6-4 favourite to follow up his course victory of a month ago.

In an incident-packed race which saw both Carbon King and Red Rookie suffer heavy falls, Hasthing overcame trouble in running to win going away by three and a half lengths.



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Ahoy Senor ‘seems in great form’ for Fleur De Lys test

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Lucinda Russell is optimistic Ahoy Senor can get his season back on track in the Fitzdares Fleur De Lys Chase at Windsor on Sunday.

The dual Grade One winner made a promising start to his campaign when a staying-on third in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October, but was disappointingly pulled up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock the following month and has not been seen in competitive action since.

Russell considers the £165,000 feature on day three of the Berkshire Winter Million meeting as an ideal target for her 10-year-old, telling Sky Sports Racing: “We sort of made a plan for this race after the Betfair Chase and I think it’s the right race for him.

“Probably his best race so far this season was over two and a half at Aintree and we’ve been toying around with distances. Two-six will really suit him and soft ground is OK, if it dried a bit that would be even better.

“He seems in great form. He had a quiet week last week, which was a disaster really for horses like Ahoy Senor because he’s a very strong horse and we actually ended up taking him to Nick Alexander’s on Saturday just to give him a blow, because he was just getting over the top here.

“He’s done three canters today and is on course for the Fleur De Lys on Sunday.”

The Scottish trainer felt patient tactics backfired in the Betfair Chase and he looks set to be ridden more positively this weekend if the early pace is sedate.

“I just want to put a line through that run (at Haydock). It worked really well at Aintree when we held him up off the pace a little bit – he did get outpaced, but he stayed on really strongly,” Russell added.

“It’s just hard for these horses to keep making the running, but actually on reflection, we probably should have tried to make it in the Betfair Chase because they went so slow.

“I’ll leave it to Derek (Fox) what he wants to do on Sunday, but if it’s a slow pace, Ahoy Senor might be in front – and if it’s quick, then we don’t mind taking a bit of a lead.

“I’ve got no idea (how he’ll handle the track). It looks pretty tight with a few sharp bends, but it’ll be fine. For the prize-money, we can’t get too twitchy about tracks and stuff.”

On plans beyond Windsor, she said: “His aim is Aintree. I’d like to run him in the Gold Cup before then, but his owners are coming in tomorrow (Wednesday), so we can decide a little bit more then.

“I suspect it will be Fleur De Lys, then the Gold Cup and then the Bowl at Aintree.”



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Scottish National a ‘dream’ aim for Whistle Stop Tour

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Connections are determined to enjoy the journey with Whistle Stop Tour, with Lucinda Russell’s progressive staying chaser igniting Scottish Grand National dreams for his team.

Owned by Kenny Alexander and his friends Paddy Bryceland and Sean Tracey, Ayr’s spring feature would be a “dream” end to the campaign if the seven-year-old remains on his current trajectory.

He has won four of his nine career starts and is now rated 137 after supplementing a clear-cut win at Kelso with an Ayr victory early in the new year.

He could now try his hand in deeper waters, with some of the season’s remaining staying contests likely to come onto the radar.

“He’s a nice, fun horse for Kenny and a couple of his mates, and they will have a good bit of fun with him as he goes up through the grades,” said Alexander’s racing manager Peter Molony.

“Judging by the three lads involved, they are all Scots, so I think the Scottish Grand National will be the dream.

“He’s up to 137 now and we’ll have to have a chat with Lucinda and Scu (Peter Scudamore, Russell’s partner and assistant) and see where we head next, but the boys like their big days out and he’ll be aiming for some of the better days I would imagine.”



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Lucinda Russell reaches grand landmark with Kelso win

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Lucinda Russell celebrated the 1,000th winner of her training career as Starlyte prevailed at Kelso.

The 58-year-old sent out her first runners in 1995 and enjoyed her best campaign numerically when registering 75 victories last season.

Russell hit the headlines in 2017 when One For Arthur won the Grand National at Aintree, with the handler claiming a second crown in the marathon contest when Corach Rambler grabbed the glory in 2023.

One For Arthur was Lucinda Russell's first Grand National winner
One For Arthur was Lucinda Russell’s first Grand National winner (Ian Rutherford/PA)

She has also sent out the likes of Grade One winners Apple Away, Ahoy Senor and the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze from her Kinross yard, with the last-named horse and Corach Rambler providing Cheltenham Festival wins.

Starlyte brought up the landmark win in style, assuming control at the top of the straight in the Graeme Todd Memorial Handicap Hurdle before powering home under Patrick Wadge to win by six lengths.

Russell said: “Reaching the landmark has been a real team effort.

“I would especially like to thank all the owners who have supported me since I took out a professional licence for the 1995-96 season, all the jockeys who have ridden for me and all the staff who have worked for me.

“Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible.

“What has been central in every one of the 1,000 wins, no matter where they have been or how big the race was, is the enjoyment we have shared with our owners. I have been touched by how many have got in contact in the last few days as this moment approached.

“Our two Grand National wins with One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023 helped to significantly raise the profile of the stable but the bedrock of our success has been at the bread-and-butter meetings around England, Scotland and Wales.

“Those victories have allowed us both to improve the quality of our horses and plan challenges in some of the biggest races of the jumps season, but it is very appropriate that we should reach this landmark at a Scottish track.

“Starlyte provided our 139th win at Kelso and the only racecourse I have had more jump winners at is Ayr with 152.”

Peter Scudamore and Lucinda Russell with Corach Rambler
Peter Scudamore and Lucinda Russell with Corach Rambler (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Russell’s partner, the eight-times champion jockey Peter Scudamore, is also her assistant trainer along with his son Michael, who will share a joint-licence with Russell in the near future.

She added: “Michael is already an integral part of our team, bringing fresh energy and ideas as we have expanded in recent seasons.

“His involvement means we are able to lavish even more personal attention to both the care of our horses and recruitment of new equine talent.

“Nothing will change in our day-to-day operation when Michael is officially on the licence. The Arlary House mantra is that the horse comes first in everything we do with our surroundings and natural resources, providing each horse the very best opportunity to reach its potential.”



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Lucinda Russell announces retirement of Corach Rambler

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Last year’s Grand National hero Corach Rambler has been retired, trainer Lucinda Russell has announced.

The 10-year-old struck gold at Aintree in 2023 to give Russell and jockey Derek Fox their second National after One For Arthur in 2017.

He was fancied to run a big race once more in this year’s renewal after finishing third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but parted company with his rider at the first fence. He went to Punchestown after that, but was pulled up.

He was twice a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, recording back-to-back victories in the Ultima Handicap Chase.

Corach Rambler (left) jumps the last on his way to Aintree glory
Corach Rambler (left) jumps the last on his way to Aintree glory (Nigel French/PA)

Russell said on her website, www.lucindarussell.com: “After a lot of thought and discussion we have decided that our brilliant 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler is going to be retired.

“In some ways the decision is laced with sadness. Corach has been a horse of a lifetime for his seven-strong syndicate of owners who won the greatest steeplechase in the world.

“He also has had a special relationship with our jockey Derek Fox and has brought so much joy to all our staff here at Arlary.

“But the decision is also a joyous one. Corach Rambler will always be a special horse for us, we owe him so much.

“More than anything we want him to go out at the top, in excellent physical condition and able to hopefully enjoy a long and happy retirement.

“Corach has had a massive influence on the fantastic run of success we are enjoying and influx of new horses and owners to our stable. His story has resonated with both racing fans and those people who take a casual interest in the sport.

“The fact he only cost £17,000 and mixed with and beat equine millionaires gave hope to any owner and trainer that they can compete no matter what their budget.”

She added: “The first of his two wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase (in 2022) earned Derek awards for his daring last-to-first ride but even he would admit Corach was the star act.

“He will forever be remembered for his Grand National victory but it should not be forgotten that he had an excellent record at Cheltenham.

“He raced there four times and his record is three wins, two at the Festival, and a third to Galopin Des Champs in last season’s Gold Cup.

“In all he won seven of his 18 races and over £750,000. He quite literally owes us nothing – we are in his debt.”

Reflecting further, Russell said: “To some our decision will be a surprise. Corach is only 10, he could have raced on. But we feel we have a great responsibility with a horse with his public following to do the best thing for him.

“His run in the Grand National in April did not work out as we all hoped. He unseated Derek at the first fence and then was unfortunately knocked over at the next fence when running loose.

“Maybe that frightened him a bit. We have said all along that he is one of the most intelligent horses we have ever trained and he never looked happy when we ran him at Punchestown last month.”



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Willie Mullins has to settle for minor honours in Perth Listed events

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Willie Mullins had to make do with minor honours in the two Listed events on the opening day of the Perth Festival as Sounds Russian and Apple Away both secured popular victories.

Better known as a high-class staying chaser, Sounds Russian was sidelined for the best part of the year after suffering a knee injury which subsequently required surgery after being brought down in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Having finished fifth in the Rendlesham Hurdle on his February comeback at Haydock, the nine-year-old was a 5-1 shot for the British EBF Gold Castle ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle under Brian Hughes and knuckled down to to secure a three-length success over the Mullins-trained 8-11 favourite Loughglynn.

Winning trainer Ruth Jefferson said: “That was good, he travelled better today and jumped better and Brian said it was like riding a different horse to Haydock.

“He was the fresh horse in the race, it was only his second run of the season so that probably helped as well, but you couldn’t really be anything other than happy.”

Of his injury, Jefferson added: “We’ve never really had this type of injury before, so we were sort of making it up a bit as we went along. Everyone has done a great job, from the surgeon to the girl who had him in pre-training and when he came back to us it was just a question of whether he’d stand up to it.

“We haven’t had many bumps in the road, you never quite know but he obviously hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for it which is the main thing.

“He’ll have a summer break now as there isn’t really a lot for him and he wouldn’t want quick ground anyway.

“We now know he goes right-handed, which opens up a few options. We might look at the Charlie Hall if the ground is all right and we could look at the Betfair Chase and there is the race at Ascot (1965 Chase) if it was soft enough.

“I’m sure there will be something for him over fences and that is the plan, but if not we can always go back over hurdles.”

Mullins also saddled the marginal favourite for Robertson Homes Fair Maid Of Perth Mares’ Chase in 7-4 shot Instit, but she too picked up the silver medal behind Grade One-winning hurdler Apple Away.

Apple Away was a Grade One winner over hurdles
Apple Away was a Grade One winner over hurdles (David Davies/PA)

Since that top-level win at last year’s Grand National meeting at Aintree, Lucinda Russell’s seven-year-old has been plying her trade in quality novice events over fences, most recently finishing fifth in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Instit set out to make all the running under Paul Townend, but she was reeled in by 9-4 chance Apple Away and pilot Derek Fox, with four and three-quarter lengths separating them at the line.

Ed Seyfried of owners Old Gold Racing said: “I think she’s just had an unlucky campaign actually, so to get a Listed win over fences under her belt is fantastic.

“I think we all expected her to continue on the trajectory she was on last season and until this afternoon she hadn’t quite done that, but I think there are genuine reasons for that and I lay the blame mainly on the weather, it just made mapping out a really good campaign for her really difficult.

“I think we’re going to have a lot of fun next season as we’ll send her hurdling and chasing. Where she goes is above my paygrade as I don’t know how to plot these things, I’ll leave it completely up to the people who know what they’re doing, but it’ll be interesting.

“It’s good that horses are partially colour blind as there were so many Old Gold scarves there it was kind of blinding, but there was such a good atmosphere because of it. I reckon we had 200 or 300 Old Gold members there and maybe I’m being a bit fanciful and fantastical, but hopefully the mare and the Old Gold members kind of fed off each other.

“Everyone was so happy and in the nicest way possible, it’s nice to serve one up to the Irish!”

Although out of luck in Scotland, with the well-fancied pair of Dr Eggman and Figaroc also coming up short, Mullins did enjoy a winner with his first ever runner at Ludlow.

Daddy Long Legs, ridden by the Closutton handler’s son Patrick, obliged as a 1-7 favourite with the easiest of victories in the opening Butty Bach Novices’ Hurdle, seeing him extend his lead in the race to be crowned British champion trainer.



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Punchestown tilt not ruled out for Corach Rambler

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Lucinda Russell will consider a tilt at the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup with Corach Rambler following his first fence exit in the Grand National last weekend.

Following a highly creditable third place finish in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the 10-year-old was well fancied by many to claim back-to-back victories in the Aintree spectacular, but parted company with Derek Fox at the first obstacle and then fell riderless at the second.

Thankfully Corach Rambler returned to Scotland unscathed and having pleased in a midweek schooling session, Russell is not ruling out an end of season trip across the Irish Sea.

“When Corach Rambler unseated Derek at the first in Saturday’s Grand National, it certainly wasn’t the fairytale result the team and I had dreamt about for our pride and joy! It was naturally very disappointing, but I’m delighted to report that he came home safe and sound,” she told William Hill.

“We schooled him on Wednesday morning to make sure he hadn’t lost any confidence after Aintree, and he seems really happy. He’s very pleased to be back in work and there are no ill-effects from Liverpool, which is fantastic.

“Regarding future plans this season, he’s still got an entry in the Punchestown Gold Cup. Immediately after the Grand National, I wasn’t that keen to run him again this term, but if he’s very fresh and feels good, we’ll think about taking him to Ireland.

“We’ll see what each day brings and decide nearer the time, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.”



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All well with Corach Rambler after National disappointment

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Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler is none the worse after his Randox Grand National title defence ended at the first fence.

The 10-year-old won the race for owners The Ramblers last season, prevailing by two and a quarter lengths to give the Kinross trainer her second success after One For Arthur in 2017.

This season Corach Rambler aimed to emulate great horses such as Red Rum and Tiger Roll in returning to Aintree to retain his title, but first he was a contender at the very top level in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

There he ran an admirable race when finishing third behind Galopin Des Champs, a run that made his handicap allocation for the Grand National look rather generous.

As such he was well-backed on return to Liverpool and started at 15-2 under Derek Fox having been the favourite for much of the ante-post phase.

Sadly his race ended only moments after it began, with Corach Rambler stumbling on landing after the first fence and unseating Fox.

He then ran loose to the next fence and fell when meeting the ground on the other side, though connections were spared the ordeal of seeing him run riderless for the rest of the race as was he corralled ahead of the third fence and caught.

Russell reported him to be unscathed following the experience and will now call it a day for the season and allow him to enjoy a summer break.

“He’s had a good sleep in his stable and is perfect,” she said.

“We’re very pleased and relieved to have him home in one piece and he’ll now go on a nice holiday and then we’ll decide what happens next.

“He just seemed to stumble and it’s one of the those things, but luck was on our side still as he’s absolutely fine.

“He went into one of the corrals, it’s very good how they work, he was caught quite quickly and that was a relief.”



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Corach Rambler ready to rumble in quest for back-to-back Nationals

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Lucinda Russell has her sights on another monumental day at Aintree when Corach Rambler defends his Randox Grand National title.

The 10-year-old ran out an impressive winner 12 months ago and will attempt to join the likes of Tiger Roll and the legendary Red Rum on the select list of back-to-back champions.

Buoyed by the performance of Ahoy Senor at the track on Thursday, the Scottish trainer is hopeful ahead of her Cheltenham Gold Cup third’s quest to join the Aintree immortals.

Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell celebrate after winning the Randox Grand National
Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell celebrate after winning the Randox Grand National (Peter Byrne/PA)

Russell – like her jockey Derek Fox also victorious with One For Arthur in 2017 – said: “I love coming to Aintree, we’ve had so many great days here and the crowd are always so appreciative, I feel a great affinity with it, it’s magic.

“I wish I could skip forward to Sunday, but I’m really hopeful and obviously watching Ahoy Senor has boosted his form again as the winner (Gerri Colombe) was just in front of him in the Gold Cup.

“We didn’t travel down until Thursday morning, which is different for us, but Scu (Peter Scudamore, assistant and partner) wanted to ride Corach on Thursday morning. The ground must be drying out and that is in his favour.”

Vanillier’s fast-finishing effort was ultimately in vain 12 months ago, but last year’s runner-up has been prepared with one day in mind as he bids to become the first grey in 12 years to win.

Vanillier in Grand National action last year
Vanillier in Grand National action last year (Mike Egerton/PA)

“We’ve trained him all year with this race in mind and he seems in good nick at home, so hopefully he will be right there,” said trainer Gavin Cromwell.

“He likes it at Aintree, so it would be good to see him run well there again.”

Cromwell will also be represented by Cheltenham Festival winner Limerick Lace, who will try to end the 70-year plus losing run for mares in the National.

He continued: “I suppose she goes on the ground, but whether she will stay on that ground, I’m not particularly sure – it’s going to take a lot of getting.

“She’s only a seven-year-old, but she is going into the race in good form and off a light weight and we hope she has a chance.”

Limerick Lace is owned by JP McManus, who is seeking his third National win after both Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021).

The McManus squad includes the highly-touted Willie Mullins-trained pair I Am Maximus and Meetingofthewaters, with the master of Closutton reportedly pleased with the duo’s preparations.

“We have some nice prospects, but in the National you need a bit of luck. Hopefully they get round and have a bit of luck, that would be great,” said McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry.

“Willie is happy with his. I Am Maximus would be the big one if he takes to the place. He won’t mind the ground, but his jumping will have to come into play and he will need a bit of luck in running.

“Meetingofthewaters ran well at Cheltenham and he’s come out of the race well. Willie is very happy with him and we keep our fingers crossed he gets a good round.”

There would be emotional scenes in the winner’s enclosure if Kitty’s Light was to strike for Christian Williams and having snuck into the race at the foot of the handicap, big-race pilot Jack Tudor is willing a long-held plan to come to fruition.

“We kind of sacrificed our whole season for this one race, so to be guaranteed a run now is massive,” said Tudor.

“From this time last year, it’s kind of all been leading to this and to now finally have a go at it, we’re looking forward to it.

“He’s obviously very used to big handicaps and big-runner fields and the only difference is going to be the fences and as long as he takes to them, they actually ride like a very nice fence, so we just hope he can get into a nice rhythm early and then hope for a bit of luck.”

Panda Boy will represent Martin Brassil in the Grand National
Panda Boy will represent Martin Brassil in the Grand National (Donall Farmer/PA)

Martin Brassil knows all about winning on Merseyside and hopes conditions will not hinder Panda Boy’s attempt to follow in the footsteps of 2006 winner Numbersixvalverde.

“It will all depend on how he copes, but he has coped with a couple of big fields so far and hopefully it won’t be a problem,” explained Brassil.

“With the reduced sized field, it might make things easier too, but the ground would be the one thing I would be worried about if there is heavy in there.

“He’s had two solid runs in good company and he’s about 10 or 11lb better off with Meetingofthewaters from the Leopardstown race where he was beaten and hopefully if Meetingofthewaters is involved, Panda Boy might be somewhere in and around at the finish.”

Mahler Mission will be John McConnell's first runner in the Grand National
Mahler Mission will be John McConnell’s first runner in the Grand National (Tim Goode/PA)

In contrast, Mahler Mission will give John McConnell his first runner, with the Irish handler full of confidence ahead of the big occasion.

He said: “We couldn’t be happier with him and we’re hoping that translates on the day – and if we get some above average luck, he should run a big race.

“We’ve never had him better and from that point of view we’re very happy. The ground should be OK and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s a very big day and I just hope we get no hard-luck stories and then whatever will be will be, but we’ve enormous confidence in the horse.”



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Russell hoping Aintree history is calling for Corach Rambler

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As a Randox Grand National winner Corach Rambler’s place in racing history is already assured. But superstar status awaits if he can make it back-to-back victories at Aintree.

A relatively inexpensive purchase at £17,000 from the Irish point-to-point field, the 10-year-old has given his trainer and the seven members of The Ramblers syndicate the ride of their lives.

Seven wins from 16 starts is admirable rather than amazing, but successive wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival followed by success in the world’s most famous steeplechase on Merseyside 12 months ago mean he has achieved far more than his connections could ever have dreamed of.

Corach Rambler and jockey Derek Fox after winning the Randox Grand National
Corach Rambler and jockey Derek Fox after winning the Randox Grand National (David Davies/The Jockey Club)

The current campaign got off to a poor start at Kelso, but a distant third in Haydock’s Betfair Chase suggested the tank was not empty and Corach Rambler hammered home that theory when picking up the bronze medal again in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, much to the delight of his proud trainer.

“We set him quite a stiff task (in the Gold Cup) really, but we wanted to give him a run and the timing works well for Aintree,” she said.

“I was absolutely delighted with the way he ran, to be third in a Gold Cup is fantastic in itself, whether you’re looking at the National or not.

“We were really pleased and I was actually quite touched as the reception he got from the crowd around the parade ring was amazing. He’s phenomenal and absolutely deserves it.”

There is just over four weeks between the Gold Cup and Grand National and Russell could not be happier with how Corach Rambler has both recovered and subsequently prepared for his return to Merseyside.

“It was a great run at Cheltenham and we were delighted, but at the same time we couldn’t rest on laurels at all as we had to get ready for Aintree,” she said.

“He had a nice, quiet 10 days. Normally we just give them a week, but we gave him a little bit longer after Cheltenham as the ground was a little bit soft for him that day.

“Time seems to have passed very quickly, but everything has been going according to plan.”

Corach Rambler’s staying-on effort behind reigning champion Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup can be taken one of two ways.

Corach Rambler and Lucinda Russell at the trainer's Kinross yard
Corach Rambler and Lucinda Russell at the trainer’s Kinross yard (Steve Welsh/PA)

While on the one hand it may be seen as the perfect preparation for the defence of his Aintree crown – certainly a line bookmakers have taken by slashing his odds for a Grand National repeat – others have questioned whether what the handicapper considered a career-best performance may leave a mark.

Russell appears to be in the former camp, adding: “I think back to last year when he won the Ultima and he certainly had a hard enough race there before going on and winning at Aintree.

“We’ll see what happens on the day, but I think the way he has felt since Cheltenham, Scu (Peter Scudamore, partner and assistant) has been very happy with him.”

Corach Rambler is out to emulate the great Tiger Roll and the legendary three-time winner Red Rum by winning two Grand Nationals in succession, while Russell is out to notch a third win, having also struck gold with One For Arthur in 2017.

The Kinross handler has also enjoyed Grade One success at the Grand National meeting in recent years with Ahoy Senor and Apple Away, so it is no surprise she holds the three-day fixture in high esteem.

“I’ve always loved Aintree and it’s very much in my heart,” she said.

“I love Liverpool and love the people there. They look after the horses and owners so well and it’s a track I like winning at.

“I always said I wanted Corach Rambler to go down in history, and he has gone down in history by winning the National once. If he could do it twice, it would really establish him as one of the great racehorses in the country.”



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