One for Arthur and his Aintree run

Lucinda Russell is all smiles with One for Perth and Kinross was placed into party mode in April when Lucinda Russell’s Milnathort-trained One for Arthur produced a stunning Grand National win.

Preparations for the world’s greatest steeplechase were conducted across the fields of Kinross-shire and he set off at 14/1 with jockey Derek Fox in the saddle.

As the sunshine reflected down on the Merseyside turf at Aintree, viewers across the region and Scotland watched with excitement as One for Arthur started to fly into contention in the latter stages of the race.

Dreams have often been shattered down the home straight – but not this time. With every stride, the eight-year-old looked stronger as Scottish punters punched the air in celebration.

In living rooms across Perth and Kinross, even those with little interest in horse racing would have been standing to attention with a beaming smile. One for Arthur became only the second Scotstrained winner of the race.

Erin Walker, who exercised One for Arthur at the Arlary House Stables in Milnathort in the race build-up, admitted the result would take a while to sink in.

The work rider from Abernethy said: “We all knew he had the ability to win this race but it’s the national and a lot of luck is required. But Derek gave him the most fantastic patient ride and never appeared to panic.

“This is the most amazing result for the whole yard and we have all had a good celebration — the unofficial one in The Thistle in Milnathort on Saturday night.”

It was a special day for Scottish racing and One for Arthur became a national icon as trainer Lucinda said: “He’s done us proud and he’s done Scotland proud.”

One for Arthur was paraded at venues across the country – incuding Perth Racecourse at the end of April – but endured an injury-hit season. Here’s hoping he can return to action soon.