Joe Farrell was victorious in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr, holding off a late surge from Ballyoptic to win the prestigious race, Sky Sports report.
The 33-1 shot, ridden by Adam Wedge, made a slight error at the last, but managed to hold on in what was a thrilling finale.
Talking to the media after the race, Wedge said:
He stuck his head out like an absolute lion for me after the last. I could feel Tom Bellamy (on Ballyoptic) getting to me all the way, but he’s tried his heart out. The mistake at the last fence didn’t stop him.
It was also a first win in Scotland for Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis, who also part-owns Joe Farrell and spoke extremely high of the horse after the race.
We’ve had a difficult season. I thought it was a big ask. He’s still a novice for a big race like that, but I knew he’d stay all day.
Curtis, who had 49 winners back in the 2012-13 season, had only eight winners in the current campaign before Wedge made it nine with Joe Farrell on Saturday.
It is believed she picked up around £122,442 for the first place win, the biggest single she has landed to date, not bad for a days work.
