'He is a big part of my life' - Russell retires National hero One For Arthur

Lucinda Russell has paid tribute to One For Arthur after calling time on the career of the brilliant 2017 Grand National winner at the age of 11.

Owned by Belinda McClung and Deborah Thomson, One For Arthur won seven of his 25 races but will be best remembered for his sparkling performance at Aintree, when he dominated the Grand National under Derek Fox.

Russell said: "When you make a decision like this you almost feel sorry for yourself because you are not going to be able to keep training a horse that's become a big part of your life.

"However, when you turn it round it's brilliant. He's going out sound and happy. We've got to make the decision without having the decision made for us. It's been fantastic from that point of view.

One For Arthur (Derek Fox) jumps the last ahead of Cause of Causes, Blaklion and Gas Line Boy in the 2017 Randox Health Grand NationalCredit: Mark Cranham

"You have to stop feeling sorry for yourself and be delighted for the horse. I'm so happy for the owners and thankful for the friendship we've made with them.

"We're still not sure what exactly he's going to do next but, whatever it is, I know it will be very active and that he'll be superb at whatever comes next. But I'll miss him, that's for sure."

At the age of eight One For Arthur produced his career-defining display on one of jump racing's greatest stages, cruising through the Grand National to defeat Cause Of Causes by four and a half lengths.

Relive One For Arthur's memorable Grand National win

"Once we announced the news yesterday [Friday], we had a great evening," Russell said. "We went back and rewatched the National and were able to relive all the amazing memories from that day.

"I remembered how easy it all was. We had him in such great form and just hearing Derek after the race and hearing the commentary just brought it all back.

"Everything had gone right for us in the run up to the race and then on the day everything just fell into place. He breezed through to win a fantastic race.

"Someone said to me before the race that they thought he was too young to be running, but he was at his peak physically and coped with everything that was thrown at him in the race."

One For Arthur and Derek Fox clear the Aintree birch en route to victoryCredit: John Grossick (racingpost,com/photos)

A tendon injury suffered after the National put One For Arthur out of action for 609 days and he was never able to return to the form he showed at Aintree, failing to win in his next six starts.

Despite that, Russell said 'Arthur' – as he is affectionately known by connections – owed nothing after a career which also featured victory in the Grade 3 Classic Chase at Warwick.

Connections had planned to return for a third crack at the National last season, and Russell added: "The worst feeling we had with him really was when we heard the National this year had been cancelled.

"Of course, you need to have a sense of perspective about these things, but we had him just right and really thought he was going to return to something like his best in the spring."

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