Corach Rambler winning the Grand National was the perfect example of a plan coming together.
The horse? Corach Rambler was potentially the best handicapped horse in the field, running off a mark of 146. He had been given a revised rating of 156 after recording back-to-back victories in the Ultima Handicap Steeplechase at the Cheltenham Festival and was 10lb 'well-in' on the weights.
The trainer? Scottish-based Lucinda Russell and her partner, former Champion Jump Jockey Peter Scudamore, have plenty of experience in preparing Grand National hopes. The duo won the race with One for Arthur in 2017.
The jockey? Best-laid plans nearly went awry when jockey Derek Fox suffered a fall at Wetherby and aggravated an old shoulder injury. His only aim was to get back on Corach Rambler for the Grand National but that required sacrifice. With the agreement of connections, he forfeited the ride on Grade One winner Ahoy Senor in the Alderhey Bowl (G1) on Thursday and was rewarded with the all-clear from the doctor on Saturday morning.
The race? The team's preparations were nearly in vain as animal rights protestors found their way onto the track fifteen minutes prior to the Grand National's off-time of 5:15pm. The 'race that stops a nation' was delayed by fourteen minutes as the police removed those involved. Merseyside Police reported 118 protestors were arrested over the course of the day.
It was clear as the race began that the lengthy parade had unnerved some of the horses with jumping errors aplenty on the first lap. Derek Fox was able to settle Corach Rambler into a good rhythm disputing fourth early on. At the midway marker, he was sat midfield and made steady headway from the twenty-fifth fence. Nico de Boinville on Mister Coffey tried to kick clear two-out but Corach Rambler easily reeled him in, taking up the lead at the last and passing the winning post with two-and-a-quarter lengths to spare.
In stark contrast to claims made by animal rights protestors, the love and affection for Corach Rambler was unmistakable. "In our hearts, Corach Rambler is just the best horse - and now he is in the public's hearts as well," said trainer Lucinda Russell.
"That horse has been amazing. I'm delighted for myself, delighted for the team, delighted for Scu because he has done all the work with him, delighted for Derek, who has had a hard time and a problem with his shoulder, and I'm delighted for the fantastic owners. But you know what? It's about Corach. He is just amazing. He took to those fences brilliantly, he understands them and he worked it out. He loved it."
On a Grand National Day nearly disrupted by animal rights protestors, Peter Scudamore summed up the feelings of all involved in horse-racing. "You shouldn't get so attached to these beautiful creatures, but you do. He'll be looked after for the rest of his life. The fact he is safe and sound means more than winning."
