Grand National winner thrills Balcormo crowds

One For Arthur paraded ahead of busy day of competition at Fife point-to-point meeting

An appearance by Grand National winner One For Arthur helped draw in a record crowd at Balcormo Races on Saturday.

Hundreds of people braved the chilly wind to descend on Balcormo Racecourse for the UK’s most northerly point-to-point meeting, and they were not disappointed following a thrilling afternoon’s racing.

The festivities at the Fife venue, near Lundin Links, were kicked off in style as One For Arthur was paraded in front of the crowd ahead of six steeplechase races and three pony races.

The eight-year-old – only the second Scottish-trained horse to win the National – was joined by jockey Derek Fox and trainer Lucinda Russell who addressed the packed enclosures, while Perthshire’s Fiona Whitaker, owner of 1978 Grand National winner Lucius, was similarly among those passing on her own experience.

Former jockey Brian Harding, who has just retired after 25 years in the saddle and is now coaching the next generation of jockeys, was also among the big-name visitors on the day.

“We’ve had a fantastic day and One For Arthur being here just made the whole day,” said Fiona Drysdale, Fife Point-to-Point honorary secretary.

“There was just silence as One For Arthur was going around and the appreciation of the crowd spoke volumes. To see him in the flesh was a really big thrill.

“I think we’ve had a record crowd, the racing has been exciting, and we really couldn’t have asked for better.

“We’ve had quite a few stars on show this year, and hopefully people will see what we have to offer and come back next year.”

Visitors were also able to enjoy a number of attractions on site, such as trade stands, food stalls and bars, a fun fair and a country fair.

The pony races were as popular as ever, and Ms Drysdale added: “It was a great pleasure to see the children, to see the joy on their faces.”

A collection during One For Arthur’s parade raised £205 for the Injured Jockeys Fund, which has helped more than 1,000 jockeys and their families and paid out more than £18 million in charitable assistance since being set up in 1964.

Pictures: Mhairi Edwards. Action from one of the races at the Balcormo point-to-point meeting.

A record crowd cheers on the competitors at Balcormo.

The winners receive a warm welcome at the finish line.

These two horses are almost neck and neck as they race for the line.

Crowds get a close-up of the action on a busy day of racing.