Former Grand National winner Corach Rambler retires as trainer Lucinda Russell issues statement

Former Grand National winner Corach Rambler’s trainer has announced that the horse has been retired.

The 10-year-old horse triumphed in the 2023 edition of the famous steeplechase. The Scottish-trained horse was heavily fancied in the 2024 race but jockey Derek Fox fell at the first fence.

Lucinda Russell made the surprise announcement this evening, saying: “After much thought and discussion we have decided that our brilliant 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler will be retired. In some ways, the decision is fraught with sadness.

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“Corach was a horse of a lifetime for his syndicate of seven owners who won the world’s biggest steeplechase. He also had a special relationship with our jockey Derek Fox and brought so much joy to all the staff here at Arlary.

“But the decision is also a happy one. Corach Rambler will always be a special horse to us, we owe him so much. More than anything we want him to come out on top, in great physical condition and able to enjoy, hopefully, to a long and happy retirement.

“Corach has had a massive influence on the fantastic success we are enjoying and the influx of new horses and owners into our stable. His story resonated with both racing fans and those people who are interested in the sport.

“The fact that she only cost £17,000 and that she was mixed with equine millionaires and beat her gave every owner and trainer hope that they could compete regardless of their budget.”

She added: “The first of his two wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase (in 2022) brought Derek accolades for his gutsy run from last to first, but even he would admit that Corach was the star performer. He will forever be remembered for his Grand. National victory but it must not be forgotten that he had an excellent record at Cheltenham.

“He has run there four times and his record is three wins, two at the Festival and a third to Galopin Des Champs in last season’s Gold Cup. In total he won seven of his 18 races and over £750,000. They literally owe us. nothing – we owe him”.

She added: “For some, our decision will come as a surprise. Corach is only 10 years old, he could have run further. But we feel we have a great responsibility with a horse with its audience to do the best thing for it.

“His run in the Grand National in April didn’t work out the way we all hoped. He unleashed Derek at the first fence and then was unfortunately overturned at the next fence when he ran free.

“Maybe that scared him a little. I’ve always said he’s one of the smartest horses I’ve ever trained and he never looked happy when I drove him to Punchestown last month.”

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