Grand National winner One For Arthur takes a bow at Perth Festival.

Thousands of racing fans turn out for Scottish favourite’s first appearance since Aintree glory

Thousands of racegoers gathered at Perth yesterday to welcome Grand National winner One For Arthur for his first appearance on home turf.

The eight-year-old horse and his jockey Derek Arthur stormed to victory in the prestigious race on April 8.

Derek’s participation had earlier been in doubt after he broke his wrist in a fall just one month earlier.

He was treated at Jack Berry House in Malton, which was opened by the Injured Jockey Fund (IJF), who helped him fight back to fitness.

Arthur’s appearance at Perth Racecourse raised cash for the IJF.

It kicked off the three-day Perth Festival event, which will see dozens of horses compete at the course. More than 3,000 people attended on the first day.

Hazel Peplinksi, chief executive of Perth Racecourse, said: “What a mind-blowing way to open our festival with Scotland’s most famous racehorse gracing the parade ring to receive the plaudits of our national hunt racing fans.

“The atmosphere from the home crowd gave me a tingle down my spine and I can’t quite take in the enormity of the achievement of One For Arthur.

“After a rough week of weather leading up to the Perth Festival we were blessed with more settled conditions on the opening day.

“Wednesday was bright and sunny, so we’re hoping that the rest of the festival is set as the forecasters predict. We might even feel some spring-like temperatures by Friday.

“Tomorrow brings another really good card, and early signs show that Friday’s fields are equally competitive – and we’re delighted to be welcoming all these household names of the sport of kings back to Perth.”

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

He coasted ahead of early race favourite Blaklion, who finished fourth, to win the Grand National, becoming only the second Scottish-trained racehorse to do so.

The atmosphere from the home crowd gave me a tingle down my spine ... HAZEL PEPLINSKI

Pictures: Kim Cessford. One For Arthur wearing his Grand National winner blanket, left, and excitement among the crowd at the finish of the third race at Perth yesterday.

Watching closely: spectators take in the first race at the opening of Perth’s three-day festival.