Perthshire racehorse One for Arthur was welcomed home to Milnathort amid jubilant scenes yesterday.
On Saturday the eight-year-old become only the second Scottish horse to take the title in the world’s most prestigious race, romping home ahead of Cause of Causes, Saint Are and Blaklion in the Grand National.
The first Scottish horse to win the Grand National winner was Rubstic in 1979.
The long drive from Aintree to Kinross-shire began just hours after the race ended, with trainer Lucinda Russell’s team arriving back at base in the early hours of Monday morning.
Later in the day dozens of well-wishers and members of the press descended on the stables to congratulate the team and catch a glimpse of the darling of the moment – Arthur himself.
Trainer Lucinda Russell said that Arthur was now in for a well-earned rest.
“It’s just amazing. It’s so nice for everyone to have been with us on this journey,” she said.
“There’s going to be a very big field for Arthur and then four races next year, hopefully culminating in the Grand National again.
“I think he’s proven he’s the best stayer in the country and he loves jumping around those fences, so we have to take him back again.”
Bookmakers Paddy Power is already offering odds of 20-1 on Arthur winning in 2018.
Lucinda added that the reality of their win has not yet sunk in.
She said: “I really did think he had a chance. I just kept thinking ‘as long as he has a bit of luck all through the race – you don’t want him to be brought down or the loose horse to take him out.
“Derek rode it so well and gave him such a confident ride. When he jumped to the front at the last, we all went mad.
To win a race like that is just out of this world. It’s a mixture of relief and elation. It hasn’t sunk in yet – they’ve given me a lovely jacket which tells me I am the Grand National-winning trainer, which I’m glad they have because otherwise I’m not sure I would totally believe it.”
