A Kinross-shire owner of the horse who won the Grand National at the weekend has spoken of the “pure joy” involved in the famous victory.
Corach Rambler, trained locally at Lucinda Russell’s Arlary House Stables in Milnathort, triumphed in the world’s greatest steeplechase on Saturday after bursting clear over the last fence.
Ally Wood (30), who is from Kinross, is one of seven owners and paid £3000 for his share during lockdown. He admitted last week it was a “complete punt”.
A former Kinross High student, he watched nervously at Aintree – but with great pride – as Corach galloped beyond the finish line in first place.
“I’d been in parade rings before at quite big races but someone earlier in the week had said it is different at the Grand National,” Ally told the PA after the win. “And it is.
“It is quite intense and you can tell everybody in there is nervous because it is pretty life-changing for the jockeys, trainers and horses.
“It was a perfect ride from Derek [Fox]. He was perfectly positioned.
“Corach jumped and travelled brilliantly. Everything fell into place... I’ve watched the replay back a few times!”
In the aftermath of Corach’s win, Ally joined the other six owners – Comrie’s Keith Garwood, Cameron Sword, Gary Scott, Paul Hillis, Bill Wallace and Thomas Kendall – for some jubilant celebrations.
“I actually stood on my own watching it in the paddock,” Ally said. “I wasn’t moving when there were fences to jump.
“But when he cleared the last fence, I started to get excited and then moved over to where all the other owners were.
“There are videos of everyone going wild. It was just pure joy. We didn’t know each other a couple of years ago but we all love the horse and were jumping around hugging each other.”
Ally added: “All of my mates can’t believe it. Everyone thought it was a bit of a joke and that it wasn’t going to be a good horse. It is remarkable.
“You look at his prize money now and it’s nearly £700,000. It definitely wasn’t an investment for me, just a hobby. But it has paid off.”
Ally was unable to get back north for Corach’s Kinross-shire homecoming on Sunday but hundreds of locals gathered at the yard to greet the new champion.
“They opened the yard on Sunday for people from Kinross to see Corach,” Ally smiled. “My mates, mum and brothers all went up.
“It is definitely good for the town and I imagine lots of people put a bet on!”
