DAY WE BOST
Goldie recalls 66/1 shot’s glorious victory over
Ever y time it happens, Scotland’s popular trainer recal ls the day his charge stormed Aintree to fulf il a lifetime dream, have Rangers stars Billy Dodds and Craig Moore rejoicing, leave Sir Alex Ferguson laughing and win Lady Ferguson a few quid.
Lampion Du Bost is now 21 years of age as he enjoys his retirement next to Goldie’s place at Libohill Stables in Uplawmoor, East Renfrewshire.
Back in November 2007, though, he was a sprightly youngster charging to success over the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton Chase.
At odds of 66/1, it was a stunning story. And one Goldie will never forget. He explained: “I looked out the other day and
Lampion was staring back at me. He’s 21 and is retired in the field of my next door neighbour and his story always amuses me and makes me proud.
“Billy Dodds and Craig Moore part-owned him and he came to me from Andrew Parker.
“I went to pick him up and there was a Black Beauty moment. We put him on the box and his friends were all chasing us up the field. You nearly had a tear in your eye taking him away from his pals.
“We had a plan to win the Grand Sefton. He’d run well in it the previous year but things didn’t quite go to plan initially. Lampion wasn’t doing much exciting. I wanted a prep run but he wouldn’t come to hand.
“I had to head straight to Aintree and I wasn’t confident. No one was. Carol Bartley worked with me and organised the Amatuer Riders’ Bal l at Scotch Corner. She sold tickets to all my staff so I was left myself to take Lampion to Liverpool. Another owner Jim Brown, who is from Aintree, then came with me.
“We got there and I looked along the boxes. Four away from us was Kauto Star. He’d won the Betfair Chase the previous day and Paul Nicholls’ box stopped into Aintree on the way back from Haydock.
“I thought I could have done with putting the saddle on him instead but the big white face might have given it away!
“I saddled Lampion up and, at the time, I met John Connor who had horses with Jonjo O’Neill. He was a friend and I said hello as Jim went into the paddock in his best clothes.
“He was so proud to be leading a horse and his excitement seemed to puff out Lampion’s chest as well. Suddenly he was bouncing. Jonjo’s horse Olay