Lucinda Russell: Celebrating 1,000 Wins with SPILLERS' Support

Lucinda Russell is a name synonymous with success in the world of National Hunt racing. Her career, which spans over two decades, is marked by landmark achievements, including multiple Grand National victories, a Scottish Grand National win, and triumphs at major racing festivals. As she recently celebrated her 1,000th career win at Kelso, Lucinda’s dedication, passion, and tireless work ethic stand out as the bedrock of her remarkable journey.

The Beginning of a Legendary Career

Lucinda Russell’s path to becoming Scotland’s most successful jumps trainer began in 1995 when she officially took out her professional licence. Before that, she gained invaluable experience learning her trade through eventing, showjumping, and hunting/point-to-pointing. Based in the beautiful Kinross countryside, just north of Edinburgh, Lucinda established herself as a trainer with a keen understanding of horse care and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best results.

In partnership with her long-time companion and assistant trainer, Peter Scudamore MBE, an eight-time champion jockey with 1,678 career winners, Lucinda formed a powerhouse duo that has dominated Scottish jump racing. Together, they have created one of the most successful racing yards in British history, achieving success year after year. Peter's invaluable experience, combined with Lucinda’s training expertise, has helped develop some of the finest horses in the country.

Notable Achievements and Wins

One of Lucinda's most memorable victories came in 2017, when she trained One For Arthur to win the Grand National, a momentous achievement that earned her widespread recognition. The victory made history, as Lucinda became only the second female trainer to win the Grand National. Just six years later, Lucinda achieved another Grand National triumph when Corach Rambler triumphed in 2023. These victories have firmly placed Lucinda in the spotlight and showcased her exceptional ability to train top-level horses.

Lucinda's success is not limited to the Grand National. Her career also includes impressive wins at the Cheltenham Festival, where her horses have triumphed in some of the festival’s most prestigious races. In 2022, Corach Rambler won the Ultima Handicap Chase, followed by another victory in the same race in 2023. Additionally, her horse Ahoy Senor won the Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle in 2021, and later that year, Mighty Thunder secured a memorable victory in the Scottish Grand National.

Lucinda’s success in 2022 was capped by Ahoy Senor’s victory in the Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree, and in 2023, Apple Away also won a Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. These triumphs cemented her status as one of the leading trainers in National Hunt racing.

The 2023 season marked another record-breaking achievement for Lucinda, as she broke her own record for jump winners in a single season, securing 71 wins across the year.

Her consistent success on the track has been recognised beyond the racecourse. In 2018, Lucinda was awarded an OBE for services to horseracing, acknowledging her contributions to the sport and her ability to consistently produce winning horses.

Reaching 1,000 Wins: A “Real Team Effort”

On November 9, 2024, Lucinda Russell reached an incredible milestone: her 1,000th career win. This historic achievement came at Kelso, when Starlyte, ridden by Patrick Wadge, won the Graeme Todd Memorial Handicap Hurdle. The victory marked another significant moment in Lucinda’s career, as she celebrated her 139th win at Kelso – her second most successful course after Ayr, where she has achieved 152 winners.

Lucinda was quick to acknowledge that this achievement was not hers alone. In a heartfelt speech after Starlyte’s victory, she praised her team for their tireless work and dedication. “Reaching the landmark has been a real team effort,” she said. “I would especially like to thank all the owners who have supported me since I took out a professional licence, all the jockeys who have ridden for me, and all the staff who have worked for me. Without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible.”

The achievement also provided an opportunity to reflect on the deep relationships Lucinda has built with her owners. She stated, “What has been central in every one of the 1,000 wins is the enjoyment we have shared with our owners. I’ve been touched by how many have got in touch as this moment approached.”

Lucinda plans to continue pushing forward, with ambitions to take out a joint licence with her assistant, Michael Scudamore. Michael has brought fresh energy and ideas to the yard, helping to further enhance the care of their horses and the recruitment of new equine talent.

The Role of SPILLERS in Lucinda’s Success

The partnership between Lucinda Russell and SPILLERS has played a vital role in ensuring her horses are always in peak condition, ready for the challenges of National Hunt racing. Lucinda has relied on SPILLERS' racing range to provide her horses with the proper nutrition for stamina, recovery, and overall health.

SPILLERS HDF Power Cubes have been an essential part of Lucinda’s feeding strategy. These cubes are specially formulated to provide high-energy nutrition for horses in full training, ensuring they have the stamina and muscle support needed to perform at their best on race day. The inclusion of these feeds in Lucinda’s daily feeding regimen helps to optimise performance, while supporting recovery after tough races and training sessions.

Lucinda switched to SPILLERS in the autumn of 2016, and since then, her horses’ performance has reached a new level. That season, she trained One For Arthur to win the Grand National, and Lucinda believes feeding SPILLERS HDF Power Cubes were the springboard for their success.

SPILLERS feeds are designed to offer a balanced mix of nutrients, providing everything from essential protein to the right levels of fat and fibre. For Lucinda’s horses, this level of care is crucial for maintaining peak condition over an extended racing career. Whether a horse is recovering from a race or in the final stages of preparation for a major event, SPILLERS' products play a crucial role in supporting every stage of their training and recovery.

Looking to the Future: The Next 1,000 Wins

As Lucinda reflects on her historic career, the future looks incredibly bright. The next 1,000 wins may still be a way off, but with the continued support of her team and partners like SPILLERS, there is no doubt that Lucinda Russell will remain a dominant force in British jump racing for years to come.

Lucinda’s commitment to excellence, combined with the support of her team and SPILLERS, sets her up for even greater success in the future. Whether it’s another Grand National victory or another record-breaking season, the journey is far from over for this exceptional trainer.

We at SPILLERS are proud to be a part of Lucinda’s journey and look forward to supporting her and her horses as they continue to achieve greatness. Congratulations to Lucinda on reaching this incredible milestone, and here's to the exciting years ahead!

Published- 20.11.2024