A Grand day out: Borders jockey reveals delight - and disappointment - after finishing runner-up in Scottish National
Last updated 22nd Apr 2023
As a 25-1 outsider, he wasn't given much chance of winning what is the country's biggest horse race - and the £200,000 prize that goes with it.
But, a late break from the back of the field saw Borders jockey Sam Coltherd push eventual winner - and pre-race favourite - Kitty's Light all the way, to claim runners-up spot in this year's Scottish Grand National.
The 24-year-old was riding Cooper's Cross, who is trained by his dad, Stuart, at their yard near Selkirk.
When asked how he felt after the race at Ayr, having been ranked 14th out of the 18 horses to start, Sam said: "Absolutely thrilled.
"It's the first time I've ever ridden in the race and Cooper's Cross ran an absolute blinder."
It's not the first time the two have paired up, with Cooper's Cross helping Sam land the £100,000 Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster in January - one of his biggest career wins to date - despite starting as a 16-1 outsider.
"That was obviously massive for myself and for the whole yard at home," Sam told Greatest Hits Radio. "But to even have a ride in the Scottish National today was a massive thing for me.
"The Grand National is the race everyone wants to ride in but, being from Scotland, it's a massive thing for me to be able to ride in the Scottish National. And to finish second, and to nearly win it, was a massive buzz."
He added: "I'm a bit disappointed with getting beat, but the horse ran its heart out and I couldn't fault him. He loves his racing, and he's run right to the line; and we've just been beaten by the better horse on the day."
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While jockey Jack Tudor celebrates riding Kitty's Light to victory for Welsh trainer Christian Williams after finishing runners-up last year, Scottish racing is also riding high.
Corach Rambler's success in the Grand National at Aintree last weekend was a second win in the famous race for Kinross-based trainer Lucinda Russell, following on from One For Arthur's victory in 2017.
Sam said: "For Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore to go and win it a second time is amazing for Scottish racing.
"It was 50-50 whether Derek Fox was going to be able to ride in the race, after having a fall the week before, and he's made a remarkable recovery, so I'm delighted for him. He's a good friend of mine.
"These horses absolutely love their job; they are cared for 24/7, and I'm delighted just to be involved."
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