Races to be graced by Grand National winner

Grand National winner One For Arthur and jockey Derek Fox are to attend this weekend’s Balcormo Races in Fife.

The pair are expected to draw crowds to the amateur racing event on Saturday, the UK’s most northerly point-to-point meeting

Balcormo Racecourse, near Lundin Links, is just over 20 miles from trainer Lucinda Russell’s stables near Milnathort, where One For Arthur is stabled.

Three days after his appearance at Perth Festival on Wednesday, One For Arthur will be paraded at Balcormo and Fox will coach young jockeys competing in the pony races.

Fife Point-to-Point honorary secretary Fiona Drysdale said: “We could not be more happy that he is coming to parade at the Fife Point-to-Point.

“It is extremely generous of his owners Deborah Thomson and Belinda McLung to allow him to come to Fife.

“Lucinda Russell and her team have had a busy time taking him round the Scottish racecourses, so to bring him to Fife before his well-earned summer holidays is very much appreciated.

“Nearly everyone I know seems to have won money on him, or at least know someone who has, so to be able to see him in the flesh will be a real thrill.

“To have Derek Fox give the pony riders the walk round the course and a few tips will be fantastic and really encourage their enthusiasm.”

One For Arthur is only the second Scottish-trained horse to win the Grand National.

Saturday’s event will see six steeplechase races and three pony races, including the men’s and women’s opens.

It offers the biggest prizes for point-to-point in Scotland, with a total fund of £3,200, including £500 each for the open winners.

The traditional members’ race kicks off the programme has been amalgamated with the Northern Point-to-Point Area Club race.

Last year Fife jockey Jamie Alexander clocked up the first double of his career with wins on Allthekingshorses and Royal Chatelier.

Pony races at Balcormo start at 1pm and the first steeplechase is at 2pm. Gates open at 11am.

Picture: PA. Jockey Derek Fox will coach young riders.