A look at “Lucinda Russell’s Extraordinary Journey To The Top” Lucinda Russell is a name that needs no introduction in the world of horse racing, but the truth is that she has had to work tirelessly to enjoy the reputation she has today.
Born on March 31, 1966, in Worcestershire, England, Russell grew up surrounded by the animals she loved, horses. Her father, Peter Russell, was of course a successful racehorse trainer, and her brother, Jamie Russell, was a jockey. However, Russell’s professional calling to the equestrian world only came in 1995 after pursuing a career in journalism when she eventually decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a trainer herself. Yes, Russell would ditch her pen for a horse’s reins.
Russell eyes up her second Grand National win
Now, 28 years after making that decision and Russell stands on the brink of greatness as her horse Corach Rambler goes into the 2023 Grand National as the outright favourite. Indeed, the Grand National 2023 ante post tips heavily favour Corach Rambler as the horse to beat after pricing him at 11/2 to win.
Your @RandoxHealth Grand National favourite ?
CORACH RAMBLER ?#RandoxGrandNational pic.twitter.com/lBgYht9Pvn
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) April 4, 2023
Incredibly, if the nine-year-old gelding were to win, it would be Russell’s second Grand National win as a trainer after One For Arthur won in 2017.
Russell has, as you can see, enjoyed a glittering career. Here, we’ll book back on the journey and how the 56-year-old became a formidable trainer.
The early days
As initially alluded to, it was in 1995 when Russell obtained her training license and began working in the industry. Her journey to success, as you can probably imagine in the mid-1990s, was far from straightforward. This was especially the case in the very early days of her career when she faced several profound challenges that included limited financial resources and a lack of recognition in what was a male-dominated industry.
Despite the odds being against her, Russell persevered and began making notable headway which meant that before long, she became the go-to trainer in Scotland. The rest as they say is history and at the time of writing, Russell has recorded 874 wins as a trainer throughout her illustrious career.
A little help along the way
Russell’s success in horse racing can be attributed not only to her passion and dedication but also to the support of her partner, ex-jockey Peter Scudamore. Scudamore is a legendary figure in the racing world, having won eight National Hunt jockey championships during his career. It’s important not to forget that the 64-year-old is also an accomplished trainer in his own right and has played a vital role in Russell’s success after they teamed up.
? "His staying ability is phenomenal."
When @lucindavrussell says that about current Grand National favourite Corach Rambler, you listen!#ITVRacing | #TheOpeningShow | @lucindavrussell pic.twitter.com/Lnf46GWnqN
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 25, 2023
Today, the pair operate their racing stable, Arlary House Stables, which is situated in the heart of the picturesque Kinross countryside. Anyone who has visited the region will know that the area boasts stunning landscapes of undulating hills, verdant forests, and serene lakes. Undoubtedly, the duo has leveraged the natural beauty of the Kinross surroundings to build a top-notch training facility that is home to more than 70 horses.
An example of excellence
There can be little doubt that Russell is an exceptional woman who continues to inspire after overcoming countless hurdles to become one of the most successful horse racing trainers in history. Yes, Russell’s journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
The only question now is whether Corach Rambler will give Russell a second Grand National win? The truth is that it doesn’t matter as far as Russell’s legacy goes as she will forever go down as one of the greatest to have ever worked in the industry.
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