The Grand National has been won by a Scottish horse for the first time in nearly four decades.
One For Arthur, ridden by jockey Derek Fox, is trained by Lucinda Russell at stables near Kinross.
The win yesterday was only the second time a Scottish-trained horse has triumphed in the world-famous steeplechase at Aintree – the last was Rubstic in 1979. One For Arthur – named after famous Irish brewer Arthur Guinness – is owned by Deborah Thomson and Belinda McClung, also known as the Two Golf Widows. The pair bought a racehorse to fill their weekends while their partners were off playing golf. The cost of the horse was a relatively modest £60,000 – and winning the National means the owners have picked up a prize of just over £560,000.
Speaking after the race, Thomson said: "I just can't believe it. It's been an absolutely amazing day. Arthur just cruised that race, Derek rode so well and I'm just a bit lost for words really. I just can't believe we've won the Grand National – it's fantastic.”
McClung added: "I thought … he's not going to win on that ground but I have to say he's just shown his class today. He's amazing and he got a great ride."
Irish-born jockey Fox, 24, had only recently recovered from breaking a wrist and collarbone in a fall a month ago.
He said: “It's unbelievable. I can't believe it. He just jumped so well, even though he was a long way back. He never missed a fence, within reason.”
Russell, whose partner and assistant is former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, said: "He's amazing. He's improved every time. I kept thinking barring accidents, he would win the National and he has. It's brilliant for Scotland. I said it's for Scotland, but it's really for the team and the yard.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “Congratulations #OneForArthur – and well done to Derek Fox, @lucindavrussell and team. #grandnational2017.”
The gruelling Grand National course is the focus of criticism by animal welfare groups each year. No fatalities of horses or major injuries among jockeys were reported yesterday.
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