Ridden by Scotsman Derek Fox - who triumphed on Russell’s One For Arthur in the 2017 Grand National - Corach Rambler came with an incredible late burst to pip Gericault Roque and Oscar Elite after the last fence, having been as far back as twelfth turning into the straight.
“It’s unbelievable,” said trainer Russell who was training his first Cheltenham winner since Brindisi Breeze, who won the Albert Bartlett Hurdle ten years ago.
Gericault Roque and Oscar Elite - who travelled ominously well round the home turn - looked to have the race between them, but Corach Rambler and Derek Fox hadn't given up and steamed through between runners as they hit the hill to win at the line. Tea Clipper stayed on to finish fourth with Our Cloud fifth.
Vintage Clouds and Kiltealy Briggs shared the early running until the grey - who won last year - made a mistake and dropped away.
A packed field approached three out with any one of fifteen in with a chance and - as the many runners dropped away - the Scottish runner stayed on best of all from the most unpromising position.
The classier horses in the race, Lostintranslation and Frodon were left behind when the race got serious and, of the other well-backed runners, Death Duty finished sixth, Fantastikas finished seventh and favourite Floueur never got close enough.
The winning horse is the apple of the eye of Russell’s partner Peter Scudamore, himself a former champion jockey.
He never won a Grand National but his winner looks the sort to go and run well in the race in future.
Result:
1st Corach Rambler 10/1
2nd Gericault Roque 9/1
3rd Oscar Elite 22/1
4th Tea Clipper 12/1
5th Our Power 11/1
