National winner hits the jockpot for Scots
GRAND National winner One For Arthur was the king of Scotland yesterday.
Punters north of the border scooped £5million on the eight-year-old.
He was the first Scottish winner of the National since Rubstic in 1979. Arthur was paraded around his home in Kinross as fans greeted him and trainers Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore.
Bookmakers were counting the cost as Arthur, ridden by Derek Fox, romped home in the £1million race.
Fox, who recovered from a broken collarbone and wrist just in time to race said: “I can’t believe it. He just jumped so well, even though he was a long way back, he was unbelievable.”
Russell added: “He’s amazing. I kept thinking – barring accidents – he would win the National and he has. 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.” Ladbrokes’ biggest single payout in Scotland was for a £1,000 bet laid on the horse at 12-1 at their Gilmerton branch in Edinburgh.
But the lucky punter has yet to collect his £13,000 winnings.
Bookie Alex Donohue said: “We’ve got the cash ready and want to congratulate our mystery punter on landing his windfall.
“The person is not known to staff, so we just hope they remember they have won.”
Arthur’s win reduced the odds of Arthur becoming the most popular baby name this year from 10-1 to 6-1.