Bahrain: Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore saddle landmark first winner in the Gulf state

Lucinda Russell: Grand National-winning trainer set to have a runner in Bahrain

Lucinda Russell: has won for the first time in Bahrain

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Two Grand Nationals and multiple Cheltenham Festival winners are already on Lucinda Russell’s CV, and she has added lucrative Middle East riches in Bahrain to her list of achievements.

Better known for her exploits over jumps, Russell and joint-trainer Michael Scudamore also have a small Flat string and that was rewarded when Dain Ma Nut In landed the Anchorman Cup, a 1m2f handicap.

The five-year-old had raced in Bahrain last month when beaten 39 lengths into 12th of 13, but showed marked improvement to score under Lewis Edmunds by two and a half lengths. Dain Ma Nut In made all and with the lead turning for home proved too good to peg back, keeping his rivals at bay down the straight.

The race is part of the Bahrain Turf Series and was worth over £35,000 to the winning connections. It was another welcome prize for the Lamont Racing-owned Dain Ma Nut In, with the €8,000 purchase having taken his earnings beyond £100,000.

Edmunds said: “He’s a hard ride and doesn’t give you much of a break between getting on and getting off. When you watch his wins back home, he’s a very free-running horse and that’s just the way he likes to go.

“He got to the front today and did it the hard way – his way – and he was very willing at the finish. He had the pace early doors to make the most of a good draw and we tried to keep it simple from there.”

Newmarket-based trainer George Scott was also among the winners on the card when Nepal took the 1m4f Investcorp Cup.

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