Lucinda Russell achieves 1,000 career victories following Kelso win

Scotland’s leading jumps trainer, Lucinda Russell, marked a significant milestone on Saturday, achieving her 1,000th career victory when Starlyte triumphed at Kelso. The 58-year-old, who operates from Kinross, has secured the Grand National’s premier award on two occasions, first with One For Arthur in 2017 and again with Corach Rambler in 2023. Additionally, she achieved success in the Scottish Grand National with Mighty Thunder in 2021, and Corach Rambler also delivered two notable victories at the Cheltenham Festival. Russell commented, stating, “Reaching the landmark has been a real team effort.” She further expressed gratitude, saying, “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.” She added, “Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible.” Russell emphasized the core element of her success, stating, “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.” She also noted, “I have been touched by how many have got in contact in the last few days as this moment approached.” Out of the total 1,000 victories, 960 were achieved in races over fences. Starlyte’s win marked Russell’s 139th triumph at Kelso, placing it second to her 152 successes recorded at Ayr.