Corach Rambler gave trainer Lucinda Russell and rider Derek Fox their second Grand National in six years, winning in impressive style after Saturday’s race was delayed due to animal rights activists.
Fox – who had just returned from injury – eased alongside long-time leader Mister Coffey at the 30th and final fence to give Scotland a third win in the biggest shootout world
Fox and Russell teamed up with One For Arthur to win in 2017, with Rubstic Scotland’s first winner in 1979.
For Fox it was a remarkable return to the saddle as he had badly injured his shoulder in a terrible fall nine days ago.
It was a case of deja vu, because before One For Arthur won, he had broken his collarbone and wrist, only to be brought back in time.
“He’s just an amazing horse,” said Fox of Corach Rambler.
“I can’t believe it to be honest. He is the smartest horse, so intelligent, he won so easily.”
Fox, 30, returned to the winners’ stand clutching the Scottish flag to a cheering welcome.
Waiting for him was Russell, her boyfriend and eight-time champion Peter Scudamore, and their owners, the seven-member Ramblers syndicate.
“This one is very personal,” said the 56-year-old Russell.
“I’ll always remember One for Arthur, he was a great horse, but this was very special.
“It’s wonderful stuff, a fairy tale. They (the syndicate) have a very good horse.
“He’s a very intelligent horse and when he jumped the last one I just felt he was going to win.”
One of the syndicate owners is a 21-year-old student Cameron Sword who said: “Derek Fox was riding blind.
“I’ll be out in Liverpool tonight!”
Aintree management and the police responded quickly to break up the protest shortly before the horses were about to leave the saddle paddock.
The police made 118 arrests – including nine protesters who got on the way – and some spectators outside the course also helped to prevent more people from escaping security.
He interrupted the 1993 debate again when protesters delayed the National and then with two false starts the race was declared void.
Filling the small spaces behind the 8/1 favorites was 20/1 shot Vanillier, with the Willie Mullins-trained Gaillard Du Mesnil in third.
Last year’s winner Noble Yeats looked under pressure heading into the second round but ran on strongly in the closing stages under Sean Bowen to take fourth.
– ‘I came to grief’ –
Top-weight Any Second Now – third in 2021 and second last year – was pulled up early in the second round, giving trainer Ted Walsh a miserable 73rd birthday.
Delta Work – one of five runners for trainer Gordon Elliott – went out at the 21st fence.
There was no joy for 43-year-old jockey Davy Russell, who had retired in January to help Elliott after his stable jockey broke his leg.
However, Galvin and Russell came to grief at the first fence.
Another man on the first run, Hill Sixteen, suffered a fatal wound.
“Unfortunately, while racing in the Grand National, Hill Sixteen suffered an irreversible injury. Our condolences go out to connections,” said a Jockey Club spokesman.
Of the 39 runners, only 17 finished.
Roi Mage delighted 81-year-old trainer Patrick Griffin by finishing seventh but the mantle of oldest trainer is still held by the late Ginger McCain.
McCain, famous for training three-time winner Red Rum, was 73 when he won Amberleigh House in 2004.
His trained son, runner Donald, Minella Trump, could not bring home the prize 50 years after Red Rum’s first victory, finishing 15th.
Bringing up the rear was Ain’t That A Shame – training team of Henry de Bromhead and 2021 winner Rachael Blackmore – who looked in good form three fences out but ‘ went badly to finish last.
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