Takingrisks wins the Scottish Grand National
Takingrisks wins the Scottish Grand National

Takingrisks wins Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr


Takingrisks caused a 25/1 surprise in the Coral Scottish Grand National for trainer Nicky Richards and jockey Sean Quinlan.

Richards, whose father Gordon won the race twice, way back in 1969 with Playlord and again in 1990 with Four Trix, has enjoyed a resurgent couple of seasons.

Having struggled to replace stable star Monet's Garden, the likes of Simply Ned, Guitar Pete and Baywing have all won big prizes recently for the Greystoke handler.

Richards in fact ran two, with Grimthorpe winner Chidswell going off a shorter price, but with half a mile to run Takingrisks could be spotted going noticeably well.

When the favourite Vintage Clouds dropped away, it was Takingrisks and Eider Chase winner Crosspark fighting it out, with Quinlan's mount coming four lengths clear. Crosspark just held off Cloth Cap and Blue Flight, who took minor honours.

A jubilant Richards, referencing his father, said: "He won it twice, and I've followed up so it's great.

"You need a good-ground horse who stays - and luck, he nearly came off him at the first.

"He's been a grand one, very consistent, and I think the improvement is down to the cheekpieces. This was always going to be his race if he had a big one in him.

"I just need to find another now to match father."


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