Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SCU IS HIGH & MIGHTY
Home win for Scotland as Thunder storms in
MIGHTY THUNDER is 33-1 for next year’s Grand National at Aintree after bolting home in the Coral Scottish version at Ayr yesterday to keep the trophy on home soil.
Trained in Kinross by Lucinda Russell (right) and her partner Peter Scudamore, the 8-1 shot finished powerfully under Tom Scudamore to win by three-quarters of a length from Dingo Dollar with Irish raider Mister Fogpatches back in third.
Mighty Thunder is the first home-trained winner of Scotland’s most famous jumps race since Merigo in 2012.
“He just loves the four miles,” said Russell, who won the 2017 English National with One For Arthur.
“He doesn’t take much out of himself early on in the race but then he really finishes well. I’m delighted and I’m really pleased for Scotland.
“He’s Scottishowned as well, as
Nicola and Colin [Drysdale] live in St Andrews.”
When asked if Aintree was the target, Russell said: “I think so. We’ll probably aim him for the Becher Chase but go somewhere first. We’ll want to see how he takes to the fences. He has endless stamina.”
Scudamore, who pulled up favourite Cloth Cap in the Grand National at Aintree just a week ago, said: “It was hard work but he knew where the winning line was. I’m thrilled.” ■ CHINDIT was cut to 12-1 from 16s by Ladbrokes for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas after a thrilling Greenham Stakes victory at Newbury yesterday. Trainer Richard Hannon said: “He will go for the Guineas and I hope he can build up the momentum at Newmarket in the same way he did today towards the finish.”
Alcohol Free is also bound for Newmarket after she won the Fred Darling Stakes.