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

The trainer of former Grand National winner, Corach Rambler, has announced 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 tonight as she said: "After a lot of thought and discussion we have decided that our brilliant 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler is going to be retired. In some ways the decision is laced with sadness.

READ MORE: Channel 4 Gogglebox's Ellie Warner supported as she issues family announcement

READ NEXT: Jurgen Klopp's wife changed lives in a Merseyside town and never said a word about it

"Corach has been a horse of a lifetime for his seven-strong syndicate of owners who won the greatest steeplechase in the world. He also has had a special relationship with our jockey Derek Fox and has brought so much joy to all our staff here at Arlary.

"But the decision is also a joyous one. Corach Rambler will always be a special horse for us, we owe him so much. More than anything we want him to go out at the top, in excellent physical condition and able to hopefully enjoy a long and happy retirement.

"Corach has had a massive influence on the fantastic run of success we are enjoying and influx of new horses and owners to our stable. His story has resonated with both racing fans and those people who take a casual interest in the sport.

"The fact he only cost £17,000 and mixed with and beat equine millionaires gave hope to any owner and trainer that they can compete no matter what their budget."

She added: "The first of his two wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase (in 2022) earned Derek awards for his daring last-to-first ride but even he would admit Corach was the star act. He will forever be remembered for his Grand National victory but it should not be forgotten that he had an excellent record at Cheltenham.

"He raced 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 all he won seven of his 18 races and over £750,000. He quite literally owes us nothing - we are in his debt."

She added: "To some our decision will be a surprise. Corach is only 10, he could have raced on. But we feel we have a great responsibility with a horse with his public following to do the best thing for him.

"His run in the Grand National in April did not work out as we all hoped. He unseated Derek at the first fence and then was unfortunately knocked over at the next fence when running loose.

"Maybe that frightened him a bit. We have said all along that he is one of the most intelligent horses we have ever trained and he never looked happy when we ran him at Punchestown last month."

Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here

Win a £200 Wickes voucher to celebrate the launch of Kimberley Walsh's new paint