Lucinda Russell reaches grand landmark with Kelso win

Lucinda Russell celebrated the 1,000th winner of her training career as Starlyte prevailed at Kelso.

The 58-year-old sent out her first runners in 1995 and enjoyed her best campaign numerically when registering 75 victories last season.

Russell hit the headlines in 2017 when One For Arthur won the Grand National at Aintree, with the handler claiming a second crown in the marathon contest when Corach Rambler grabbed the glory in 2023.

She has also sent out the likes of Grade One winners Apple Away, Ahoy Senor and the ill-fated Brindisi Breeze from her Kinross yard, with the last-named horse and Corach Rambler providing Cheltenham Festival wins.

Starlyte brought up the landmark win in style, assuming control at the top of the straight in the Graeme Todd Memorial Handicap Hurdle before powering home under Patrick Wadge to win by six lengths.

Russell said: “Reaching the landmark has been a real team effort.

“I would especially like to thank all the owners who have supported me since I took out a professional licence for the 1995-96 season, all the jockeys who have ridden for me and all the staff who have worked for me.

“Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible.

“What has been central in every one of the 1,000 wins, no matter where they have been or how big the race was, is the enjoyment we have shared with our owners. I have been touched by how many have got in contact in the last few days as this moment approached.

“Our two Grand National wins with One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023 helped to significantly raise the profile of the stable but the bedrock of our success has been at the bread-and-butter meetings around England, Scotland and Wales.

“Those victories have allowed us both to improve the quality of our horses and plan challenges in some of the biggest races of the jumps season, but it is very appropriate that we should reach this landmark at a Scottish track.

“Starlyte provided our 139th win at Kelso and the only racecourse I have had more jump winners at is Ayr with 152.”

Russell’s partner, the eight-times champion jockey Peter Scudamore, is also her assistant trainer along with his son Michael, who will share a joint-licence with Russell in the near future.

She added: “Michael is already an integral part of our team, bringing fresh energy and ideas as we have expanded in recent seasons.

“His involvement means we are able to lavish even more personal attention to both the care of our horses and recruitment of new equine talent.

“Nothing will change in our day-to-day operation when Michael is officially on the licence. The Arlary House mantra is that the horse comes first in everything we do with our surroundings and natural resources, providing each horse the very best opportunity to reach its potential.”