Scottish Grand National Review: Mighty Thunder exacts Aintree redemption for Tom Scudamore

Lucinda Russell’s Mighty Thunder took the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Sunday afternoon as Tom Scudamore’s Aintree disappointment was put to bed.

After favourite Cloth Cap’s somewhat underwhelming Grand National display on Merseyside last week, it was glee north of the border for Scudamore as his eight-year-old mount proved too strong for 7-1 favourite Dingo Dollar in Ayrshire.

Irish raider Mister Fogpatches took the bronze medal under Danny Mullins, with The Ferry Master finishing fourth.

Having ran a cracker to finish second in the Midlands Grand National last month, the son of Malinas went one better in Scotland – the nation where he won the Edinburgh equivalent at Musselburgh earlier this campaign.

Winning handler Russell told the Racing Post: “I know I’ve won the Grand National, but I’ve always wanted to win the Scottish National and this is a dream come true again.

“I’m delighted for Mighty, I’m delighted for his owners and I’m delighted for Tom, but I feel so sorry for Blair because he should really be riding him. But he’ll get the ride back on him next season. We’ve got some nice targets for him then, and at least it’s still in the family.

“I’m really pleased for Scotland, it’s nice to have a Scottish winner – Scottish-owned as well.”