Keith in dreamland after Corach victory
Comrie’s Keith Garwood thought it couldn’t get any better.
But when the horse he co-owns stormed to Grand National glory on Saturday, he entered a whole new world of dreamland.
Keith (69), alongside six other owners, watched Kinross-shire trained Corach Rambler power to victory in the world’s most famous steeplechase at Aintree.
“It has been an absolutely lifeenhancing experience,” Keith explained this week.
“We didn’t think it could get any better after winning at Cheltenham. But it did.
“And we still don’t know where he can go. He jumped every fence superbly on Saturday.”
Corach Rambler - Keith paid a few thousand pounds for his share two years ago - was tagged as the favourite for the National. A fine leap over the last fence sent him clear.
Keith, however, took a little time to realise the finish line was so close.
“We must have been at the course by 11am,” he recalled.
“Aintree has a great facility for owners and trainers.
“We quietly reflected on where we had been and where we had got to. We were all in the parade ring with our arms around each other.
“I saw Corach burst clear of the pack - but I still thought there was another jump to come!
“He did his usual of putting his head up, looking at the crowd and slowing down. But he was just fine up in front. We still feel he won it with something in hand.
“I don’t think Corach has ever bottomed out his stamina yet.”
In the immediate aftermath of the race, Keith and the rest of the owners savoured the latest chapter of a continuing success story.
He got involved with racing after admitting his life was at a bit of a low ebb. This horse - and the people he has met on the journey - is bringing him great happiness.
He said: “It has brought me into contact with a wonderful group of people.
“There are even days when we meet up at racing when Corach is