Most racing folk north of the border can remember exactly what they were doing around tea time on April 8th, 2017.

 

There were, of course, cheering home One For Arthur in the Grand National, the first success for Scotland in the Aintree marathon for 38 years.

 

How bravely he flew the Scottish flag that memorable day for his proud tartan connections.

Now, just six races later, his career has come to an end.

If any horse deserves a long and happy retirement it is the equine warrior lovingly known as ‘Arthur’.

 

What a race Aye Right ran when he was a game third to the best UK jumper in training in last weekend’s bet365 Charlie Hall Chase.

 

Harriet Graham’s Jedburgh raider made most of the running before finishing seven-lengths behind Cyrname with Vinndication splitting the pair in second place.

 

The Handicapper has raised ‘Jock’, as he is known in the yard, by 4lbs onto a BHA mark of 150 while leaving the winner untouched on a lofty 176.

 

Speaking to Harriet at Musselburgh earlier this week, she was talking of three options as the next steps for Ayr Right. He is already entered in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury with the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle and Many Clouds Chase at Aintree also under consideration. She admitted that connections are currently favouring the former, staged on the last Saturday in November, and at the moment he is a best-priced 16-1 chance under 10st 11lb.

 

Racing in Scotland this week takes place at Ayr on Wednesday when there could be a star or two on parade.

 

The main attraction for me is Marown who is set for his debut over fences in the William Hill Extra Places Every Day Novices’ Handicap Chase over an extended two miles.

 

A half-brother to Castle Rushen, a winner on hurdling debut on Ayr’s second jumps card of the autumn last Saturday, is unbeaten under Rules in a bumper and a maiden and a novices’ hurdler, both of which were at Ayr.

 

The concluding mares’ bumper has attracted some well-bred types, notably Ordered Lives trained in Gloucestershire by Fergal O’Brien.

 

She was fourth when sent off favourite for her debut at Ffos Las and her dam is an half-sister to 2010 Champion Hurdle winner Binocular.

 

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