Lucinda Russell lauds 'real team effort' as she reaches landmark 1,000 career wins at her local track

Lucinda Russell reached a landmark 1,000th career win under both codes when Starlyte justified strong support in the 2m5f handicap hurdle under Patrick Wadge at the Scottish Borders track.

The two-time Grand National-winning trainer was registering the milestone at the venue where it all began back in 1993 when Gunmetal Boy landed her first win in a hunter chase.

After the 7-2 chance scored easily, Russell said: ‘‘Reaching the landmark has been a real team effort. I would especially like to thank all the owners who have supported me since I took out a professional licence for the 1995-96 season, all the jockeys who have ridden for me and all the staff who have worked for me. Without their hard work and dedication none of this would have been possible. 

"What has been central in every one of the 1,000 wins, no matter where they have been or how big the race was, is the enjoyment we have shared with our owners. I have been touched by how many have got in contact in the last few days as this moment approached.

‘‘Our two Grand National wins with One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023 helped to significantly raise the profile of the stable, but the bedrock of our success has been at the bread-and-butter meetings around England, Scotland and Wales."

Wadge also rode out his 3lb claim with the victory and the pair combined again to land the bumper a bit later with Humble Jumble.

500 up for Anderson Green

Top jumps owner Raymond Anderson Green also was among the milestones when registering his 500th winner across both Flat and jumps when Gold Des Bois just lasted home in the 2m1f handicap chase.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning owner had been stuck on 499 winners since May until the 9-4 joint-favourite scored by a nose from the persistent Fia Fuinidh on just his second start for Sandy Thomson.

The landmark comes just nine years after the two-time Scottish National-winning owner celebrated his 400th win at the same track, although Anderson Green was not present this time as he is currently on holiday in Antigua.

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