Corach Rambler new Grand National favourite after defending Ultima Handicap Chase crown
- Planet Sport writer
- 14 March 2023
Corach Rambler became the fourth back-to-back winner of the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and took his place as the new favourite for the Grand National.
Lucinda Russell's 6/1 favourite pounced late to land the Cheltenham Festival spoils 12 months ago and was ridden cold once again by Derek Fox.
Always travelling easily for the National-winning pilot, the enigmatic nine-year-old was coaxed into contention as the race began to unfold and was then asked to join the party jumping the last - from where he knuckled down gamely to stay on to the line, holding off Martin Brassil's Fastorslow to extend the dominance of British-trained horses in this race.
He will now head to Aintree on April 15 and was made favourite for the Merseyside marathon by a number of bookmakers.
Russell's partner and assistant Peter Scudamore said: "It's a great thrill. I do appreciate how incredibly fortunate I am and if a bolt of lightning hits me on the way out, I'd die a happy man.
"The funny thing is that his jumping is getting better and he was closer than last year.
"All Derek wants to do is go out there and ride and that is the mark of the man."
