Grand National winner to raise cash for jockeys

Parade: One for Arthur will take a lap of honour on opening day of Perth Festival

Grand National winner One for Arthur is to help raise money for the charity that helped his rider fight back to health to ride in the prestigious race.

Derek Fox was almost ruled out of the Aintree extravaganza after falling and breaking his wrist during a ride at Carlisle one month before the National.

However, following a spell at Jack Berry House which was set up by the Injured Jockey Fund in 2015, he was passed as fit to ride again.

Arthur, who is only the second Scottish-trained horse to win the race, will take a lap of honour in the parade ring of Perth racecourse on the first day of the Perth Festival to raise money for the fund.

In honour of the win, Perth Racecourse sponsor Edinburgh Gin will also unveil its bespoke One for Arthur Gin and Fizz bar.

Perth Racecourse chief executive Hazel Peplinksi said: “This year’s Grand National win was the most impressive I have ever seen – and I am not being biased because the winner is Scottish.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off our season than to have the honour of One for Arthur gracing our parade ring.

“Interest in this parade from all local equestrians has been phenomenal; One for Arthur has touched everyone in the Perthshire area and we are all so proud of what he achieved at Aintree.

“He is guaranteed a massive reception on Wednesday on the opening day of the Perth Festival, and we look forward to welcoming the whole team.”

One for Arthur is trained at Lucinda Russell’s stables near Milnathort.

He coasted ahead of early race favourite Blaklion, who finished fourth, to take the title on April 8.

One for Arthur will parade at 1.25pm on Wednesday April 26. The first race is scheduled for 2pm, last race at 5.10pm.

Three-day Perth Festival tickets are priced at £50. Grandstand tickets are available for each single day at £20.

For information visit www.perthraces.co.uk or call 01738 551 597.

For more racing and today’s Scottish Grand National, see inside.

Picture: PA. One for Arthur on its way to winning the Grand National.