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Scudamores land race in honour of their grandfather's winning National ride

Michael Scudamore: the trainer is 34
Michael Scudamore: 'It's really significant to us and to do it together, it's a wonderful story.'Credit: Edward Whitaker

A long-term ambition for the Scudamore family was fulfilled in the John Bigg "Oxo" Handicap Chase as Copper Coin surged to a last-gasp victory to provide jockey Tom and trainer Michael with an emotional success in the race named in honour of the horse who provided their grandfather with his Grand National success.

The eight-year-old's winning chances looked slim down the back straight when he was detached from the field, but he navigated his way past his rivals under an ice-cool ride from Scudamore to get up on the line to score by half a length.

It was a first victory in the race for the delighted trainer, who will take home the trophy his grandfather – also called Michael – lifted after his National success in 1959.

Where it all began: Michael Scudamore makes his name as the winner of the 1959 Grand National on Oxo
The trainer's Grandfather, also called Michael, winning the 1959 Grand National aboard Oxo, who the Huntingdon feature was named afterCredit: Associated Press

"It's a race we've been aiming at for a while and it's all come together for once. It's really significant to us and to do it together, it's a wonderful story," he said.

"My grandfather was such an important part of our lives – we wouldn't be doing what we do today without him. One of the barns in the yard is named after Oxo with many pictures around the house of him too, so to have the trophy sat next to them will be special."

Hefty ban for Brogan

Conditional jockey Kevin Brogan will miss out on some valuable opportunities after he was given a 14-day ban by the stewards for failing to ensure Rabski was given the opportunity to obtain the best possible placing in the 2m novice hurdle.

Brogan was unable to be reached when contacted by the Racing Post.


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Matt RennieReporter

Published on 7 March 2021inReports

Last updated 17:55, 7 March 2021

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