 Richard McGrath urges Ryalux to the line |
Scottish Grand National (4m 1f)
1. Ryalux (R McGrath) 15-2
2. Stormez (AP McCoy) 6-1
3. Spendid (R Thornton) 12-1
4. Kerry Lads (K Renwick) 40-1 Richard McGrath on Ryalux edged out champion jockey Tony McCoy on the line to take the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
It was a huge victory for Yorkshire-based trainer Andy Crook who saw his horse make a slight mistake at the last before taking the lead again in the closing stages chasing down Stormez and McCoy.
Robert Thornton's mount Spendid ran on well for third, finishing ahead of 40-1 chance Kerry Lads.
The favourite Gunther McBride was well in contention before unseating jockey Richard Johnson at the second last.
"He just got beat a short head in the Great Yorkshire and this has made our year now," said Crook.
"It's my biggest win. I'm lucky to have a horse of this calibre for my first two seasons in training.
"I'm only in my second year training and to come up here and win the Scottish National - what more can I say."
The trainer admitted he was happy to see Stormez lead at the final fence.
"I didn't want him to be in front too soon like he was in the Great Yorkshire. He made a mess of the last, the other horse has given us a lead and it's helped us to fight back which is what he's done," he added.
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