One For Arthur wins the Grand National – in first victory for Scotland since 1979
Written by News on 09/04/2017
One For Arthur, ridden by Derek Fox, has triumphed in the 2017 Grand National at Aintree.
The 14-1 shot was only the second-ever Scottish-trained winner of the world’s most famous steeplechase, after Rubstic in 1979.
One For Arthur, trained by Lucinda Russell, sprinted down the home stretch to take the title by four-and-a-half lengths.
Over the final few fences, the horse had battled with Cause Of Causes and managed to keep the rival at bay.
The 16-1 prospect finished second, while Saint Are (25-1) was third and Blaklion, the race favourite at 8-1, finished fourth.
Fox, who only returned to action from injury earlier in the week, said: "It’s unbelievable. I can’t believe it.
"He just jumped so well, even though he was a long way back. He never missed a fence, within reason. He was unbelievable.
"I was lucky to get back in time – I want to thank Jack Berry House. Without them I wouldn’t have got back in time and I wouldn’t have been as fit as I am."
Russell, whose partner and assistant is former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, said: "What a day! We have a fantastic team behind us and I’m just so pleased.
"He’s amazing. He’s improved very time. I kept thinking barring accidents, he would win the National and he has!
"Together (Peter and I) we have had good and bad times but the horses are all back in form now.
"It’s brilliant for Scotland. I said it’s for Scotland, but it’s really for the team and the yard. It’s out of this world."
One For Arthur is owned by Deborah Thomson and Belinda McClung – known as the Two Golf Widows.
They were left in disbelief after watching their horse triumph.
Thomson said: "I just can’t believe it. It’s been an absolutely amazing day. Arthur just cruised that race, Derek rode so well and I’m just a bit lost for words really.
"I just can’t believe we’ve won the Grand National – it’s fantastic. He’s given us a fantastic journey."
McClung added: "I thought this morning, it’s baking hot so there’s no pressure now, he’s not going to win on that ground but I have to say he’s just shown his class today.
"He’s amazing and he got a great ride."
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(c) Sky News 2017: One For Arthur wins the Grand National – in first victory for Scotland since 1979
