‘He changed my life’ – Lucinda Russell leads tributes to Grand National winner One For Arthur who has died aged 14
THE 2017 Grand National hero One For Arthur has died at the age of 14 after suffering a bout of colic.
The popular chaser galloped to victory in the big one in at Aintree for Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell, who led the tributes to her former stable star.
He was just the second horse trained in Scotland to win the National and was retired in 2020 with seven wins to his name and £675,000 in prize-money.
Among his other big wins was the valuable Classic Chase at Warwick in January 2017.
But he will always be remembered for his epic performance in the National, when he won at odds of 14-1 beating Cause Of Causes into second place under Derek Fox.
He spent the early part of his retirement at Russell’s Perth yard before taking part in showing contests – including in Dublin last year alongside Tiger Roll – and hunting around the Scottish countryside.
Forever an Aintree legend
— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) March 24, 2023
Saddened to hear the news that One For Arthur has passed away today.
pic.twitter.com/2aFsgc4AQk
Russell said: “On the racecourse he was so brave and yet back at home he was such a kind natured horse.
“We had all these amazing people write to us after his Grand National win, he touched so many people’s lives. Everyone who met him loved him, and he enjoyed his status as a celebrity.
“He was a real warrior and changed my life. He changed the whole course of the yard here.”
Racing fans also paid tribute to the Aintree hero.
One said: “Very sad news hearing One For Arthur has passed away my sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to everyone connected to the horse.”
Another posted: “What a legend. Rest in peace One For Arthur.”
While another added: “He was my only National winner in 60 years of trying! Very sad news, rest in peace.”
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