Mighty Thunder storms to Scottish Grand National at Ayr for Lucinda Russell as Dingo Dollar beaten at the death
LUCINDA RUSSELL capped off a thunderous couple of weeks with a famous home win in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Her Mighty Thunder stormed past the line to deny Sandy Thomson’s 7-1 favourite Dingo Dollar at the death in the four-mile test.
Fresh off the back of a Grade 1 at Aintree with exciting Ahoy Senor, the Scottish trainer was in the money again as Mighty Thunder became the first horse trained north of the border to win the race in nine years.
And for jockey Tom Scudamore, whose dad Peter is assistant to Russell, it was a well-timed win after hot Aintree favourite Cloth Cap ran no race in the Grand National.
Scudamore was standing in for sidelined Blair Campbell who cruelly missed out through injury.
Thomson looked as if he might saddle home a memorable one-two as Dingo Dollar and The Ferry Master cruised into the home straight.
The latter failed to see out the trip, while 8-1 chance Mighty Thunder denied Dingo Dollar the cash under the shadows of the post by three-quarters-of-a-length.
Irish raider Mister Fogpatches was third, a further three-and-a-half lengths back.
A delighted Russell said: “That was amazing. I’ve won the Grand National but I always wanted to win the Scottish National.
“It’s a dream come true, it’s fantastic for all of us. I’m delighted for the horse and for his owners too.
“I’m thrilled for Tom as well, but I feel so sorry for Blair Campbell, He’ll get the ride back on him next season.
“We’ll have some nice targets for him then. We’ll aim him for the Becher Chase.
“He’s a funny horse, but he just loves this four-mile trip. He drops himself out and then finishes so well.
“I’m pleased for Scotland too. A Scottish-trained horse for Scottish owners.”
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Super-sub Scudamore said: “He knew where the winning line was didn’t he?
“We didn’t get the best of starts and from there it was hard work.
“My dad and Lucinda have had a great couple of weeks, a winner at Aintree and now this.
“But you do have to feel sorry for Blair [Campbell] – he would have ridden him today if he hadn't been hurt.
“But at least he’s got a nice staying chaser to look forward to when he’s back.”
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