One for Arthur, Two for Scotland
People can have their differing views about the Grand National but one thing must be admitted by all, it's a spectacle. The 2017 renewal was no different. The biggest national hunt race of the calendar was run in the usual hustle and bustle style we've become accustomed too and once again highlighted any jumping frailties from its participants. The result didn't disappoint either and also provided yet another warming National victory for connections. One for Arthur was the horse in question who pounced off a brilliant hold up ride from Derek Fox. Fox had teamed up with Lucinda Russell to provide Scotland with only their second ever Grand National winner.
One for Arthur wasn’t unfancied either at 14/1 but faired quite a lot better than the supposed class angles of the race. More of That, Saphir Du Rheu and Defintely Red all failed to complete the remorseless contest. Instead, it was left for Cheltenham festival legend Cause of Causes to chase Arthur home under a typically strong Jamie Codd ride. However, crossing the Melling road you wouldn’t have been stupid to suggest that favourite Blacklion was going to hack up. Unfortunately for Blacklion fans, once jumping two from home, the petrol gauge emptied and nothing was in reserve, eventually fading into fourth.
What shouldn't go unnoticed is the sheer finesse of Derek Fox's ride on One for Arthur. The first horse to win the race from off the pace for thirty years tells you all you need to know. Fox handled his mount supremely well and produced him at exactly the right time to let him go win his race. The ride took nerve and bottle, Fox had that in abundance. Despite this, I feel Fox's efforts are going under the radar. I’d put money on the fact that if it had been Ruby Walsh or Barry Geraghty on board, we'd be deeming this as a vintage ride. Instead, Fox's praise starts and finishes on the fact he was on the best horse in the race. Double standards indeed.
Although, none of this would have been achieved without the training performance of Lucinda Russell, a master of the staying chase. The ITV
coverage beautifully captured the emotion from all winning connections, the ecstasy, the relief. One for Arthur was handled by the Aintree staff in the royal manner he deserved after his finest moment. It was 1979 since Scotland's first National win, a long wait. That wait is now over.