When you think of Scottish jump racing, you picture rolling hills and a cold north wind. Every now and then, a hardy outsider punches above its weight. Well, welcome to the world of Lucinda Russell, one of Britain’s most respected trainers and the focus of this year’s guide to the best Lucinda Russell horses to follow for the 2025/2026 National Hunt season — a place where stamina, determination and low-profile brilliance combine to quietly cause havoc on major National Hunt cards.
If you haven’t already, check out our full guide to the horses to follow for the 2025/26 Jumps season, where we outline the broader trends shaping this campaign before zooming in on Lucinda Russell’s string.
Before we dive into the full personalities and stories behind the ten horses we’re backing, here’s a quick summary of who to keep on your radar this season:
| Horse | Age* | Discipline | Key Achievements | 2025/26 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Away | 8 | Staying Chaser / Mare | G1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle winner (2023) | Mares’ staying chases (3m+) |
| Ahoy Senor | 10 | Staying Chaser | Long-time stable star, Gold Cup contender | Big staying chases / Gold Cup |
| Myretown | 7 | Novice Chaser | Impressive Ultima winner at Cheltenham | Step up in Grade / staying chases |
| Whistle Stop Tour | 6 | Novice/Young Chaser | Promising hurdler with Cheltenham experience | Staying chases / long-term scope |
| Derryhassen Paddy | 7 | Novice Chaser | Strong staying hurdler form, moving into fences | Top staying novice chases |
| Kingston James | 6 | Chaser | Lightly raced but showing signs of class | Emerging staying chaser |
| Big John Wayne | 5 | Novice Hurdler → Chaser | Big-frame type coming back from issues | Full campaign over fences |
| Spadestep | 8 | Staying Handicapper | Reliable performer, improving steadily | Staying handicaps / stepping up |
| Biglesisback | 5 | Young Mare | Well-regarded at home, stamina running in line | Mares’ novice staying hurdles |
| Choose A Copper | 6 | Novice | Emerging prospect with staying pedigree | Long-term chase plan |
About Lucinda Russell’s yard and her National Hunt horses to follow
Few trainers embody the rise of Scottish jump racing quite like Lucinda Russell, whose string of success stories has turned Arlary House into one of the sport’s most respected northern bases. If you’re searching for Lucinda Russell horses to follow, this is where every contender begins their journey.
For full stats, entries, and her complete racing record, you can also visit Lucinda Russell’s official Racing Post profile — a great companion resource for anyone tracking her horses through the season.
From Scotland to the big time: the rise of Lucinda Russell’s stable
If you picture the stereotypical grand yard in the south of England, think again — because while the big names might dominate the headlines, Lucinda Russell’s Arlary House Stables in Perthshire quietly builds winners. With two victories in the Grand National (via One For Arthur and Corach Rambler) under her belt, Russell has long proven she can compete with anyone.
The stable’s ethos leans on stamina, versatility and switching codes (hurdles to chases) when the gear fits. The northerly location might mean extra travel, but it also breeds toughness.
Lucinda Russell’s 2024/25 National Hunt season in review
The 2024/25 National Hunt season confirmed what many already sensed. This yard is not just a regional powerhouse — it’s a serious player on the national stage. For anyone compiling a list of Lucinda Russell horses to follow, last year provided all the evidence you’d need.
According to the most recent stable tour, “with a Cheltenham Festival winner and over £1 million in prize money for the third season running, Lucinda Russell’s Scottish stable is the most potent jumps operation in the north of Britain.”
That said, every successful yard knows there’s no resting on past laurels — and this one is no exception. With some big names retiring and new recruits coming in, Russell has openly said it’s time to refresh, step up category and aim higher still.
Lucinda Russell preparing her next horses to follow for the new National Hunt chapter
As the dust settled on another successful campaign, Lucinda Russell’s team wasted no time turning the page. Pre-season at Arlary House Stables isn’t about flashy gallops or early headlines; it’s about building layers — fitness, confidence, and routine. Co-trainer Michael Scudamore oversees much of the groundwork alongside Russell, and their complementary styles have quickly become one of the yard’s quiet strengths.
Corach Rambler enjoys a well-earned retirement. One For Arthur is now part of racing folklore, and a new wave is beginning to take shape. For followers of Lucinda Russell horses to follow, this is where the next stars are being moulded. The focus has shifted toward producing staying chasers capable of competing at the very top — not just for one season, but sustainably. That’s been the hallmark of this yard: patience over pressure.
Russell often says that every horse has “its own clock”. Some peak at six, others need time until eight or nine. That mindset, combined with Scotland’s tough training terrain and a close-knit team, continues to forge horses that stay longer, fight harder, and often surprise the southern big guns when the season heats up.
Lucinda Russell horses to follow for the 2025/26 National Hunt season
Here’s a look at the ten Lucinda Russell horses to follow that could define this National Hunt season. Each brings a mix of proven talent, untapped potential, and that trademark Arlary House toughness we’ve come to expect from Scotland’s leading jumps yard.
Whether you’re following Festival hopefuls or future Grand National types, these are the names that will shape the storylines of 2025/26.
Apple Away: Lucinda Russell’s star mare for 2025/26
Here’s one you might call the “iron mare from Kinross.” Apple Away, trained by Lucinda Russell, won the G1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree (2023) — one of the defining moments in the yard’s rise to National Hunt prominence. Since then, she’s switched successfully to staying chases and long-distance handicaps, picking up wins at Perth (Listed mares’ chase) and the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February 2025.
Why she’s on our list of Lucinda Russell horses to follow? Because she ticks every box: proven stamina, experience at Grade 1 level, and the resilience to bounce back from a battle. For the 2025/26 season, she’s expected to target extended-distance mares’ chases — and if ground and conditions align, don’t rule out a tilt at the Scottish Grand National.
Keep an eye out early in the campaign: Haydock, Carlisle or Kelso could feature as her prep runs before the bigger tests ahead.
Ahoy Senor: Lucinda Russell’s flagship chaser for 2025/26
The flagbearer, the crowd favourite, the loose cannon — call him what you want, Ahoy Senor has done it all. From his heroic Grade 1 victory at Aintree (2022) to a gallant second in the King George VI Chase at Kempton, he’s been the horse that defines the Lucinda Russell era.
Sure, he still has the odd blunder in him, but when he’s right, few jump or travel with such power. His spring 2025 win at Ayr’s Future Stars Chase proved there’s plenty of spark left — especially when he gets soft ground and a big galloping track.
Expect another campaign geared toward Aintree or Punchestown, with possible runs at Haydock or Cheltenham if conditions suit. And yes, whispers of another Gold Cup attempt are already circling. If that happens, he’ll carry not just the yard’s hopes but Scotland’s too — a reminder that the north still breeds proper staying chasers.
Update (26 October 2025): Ahoy Senor didn’t make the ideal start to his 2025/26 jumps campaign. He returned at Aintree in a Class 1 contest, finishing sixth of seven runners when sent off at 17/2 off a mark of 162. It was a quiet reappearance by his standards, but with his proven class and a clear preference for softer ground, there’s still plenty of room for improvement as the season unfolds.
Myretown: Lucinda Rusell’s Cheltenham-winning chaser to watch
Few horses announced themselves as confidently last season as Myretown, whose victory in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham marked a turning point for both horse and trainer. Lightly raced but loaded with promise, he represents the new era of Lucinda Russell’s staying chasers — classy, composed, and built for the big stage.
The Coral Gold Cup at Newbury looks a logical early-season target, with graded company not far behind if he continues to progress. What makes Myretown so intriguing is his blend of tactical pace and stamina; he’s not just a grinder, but a horse capable of quickening when it matters.
If he reproduces his Cheltenham form on his reappearance, he could easily become the yard’s flagship chaser for the 2025/26 campaign — a proper Saturday horse who might even tempt whispers of a Gold Cup bid down the line.
Whistle Stop Tour: Lucinda Russell’s novice chaser with big potential
Still learning his craft but full of raw ability, Whistle Stop Tour is one of those horses that could sneak up the ranks fast. His hurdling runs last season hinted at quality — enough for Lucinda Russell to give him a Cheltenham entry, which says plenty about how highly he’s rated at Arlary House.
He’s yet to fully prove himself at the top level, but everything about his profile screams future stayer: strong galloper, tidy jumper, and plenty of grit in the finish. For the 2025/26 season, expect him to dip into longer-distance novice chases, possibly even eyeing something like the Welsh Grand National Trial if he takes to fences well.
Patience will be key — Russell’s team rarely rush these types, preferring to build them up race by race. If he starts the season clean and confident, he could become one of the quiet success stories of the north.
Derryhassen Paddy: Lucinda Russell’s next staying chaser to follow
Big, scopey and still on the up, Derryhassen Paddy looks like one of Lucinda Russell’s most exciting long-term prospects. His third-place finish in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham showed both stamina and grit, marking him as a proper stayer in the making.
The switch to fences now feels inevitable — and if he takes to it as expected, he could evolve into a genuine force in staying chases. Early signs from his schooling have been positive, with Russell noting how “he relishes his jumping” and handles soft ground particularly well.
Expect a quiet prep run during the summer, then a proper launch over fences in the early months of the 2025/26 season. If all goes smoothly, don’t be surprised to see his name among the staying novice chase entries come late winter.
Kingston James: Lucinda Russell’s emerging staying chaser
Not every future star arrives with fanfare — some just simmer under the surface until everything clicks. Kingston James fits that mould perfectly. Lightly raced and still learning, he’s shown flashes of quality that have caught the eye of Lucinda Russell’s team without ever being pushed too soon.
Built for a trip and blessed with a strong galloping style, he looks the type to thrive once stepped up in distance. The 2025/26 National Hunt season could be when he turns that quiet promise into something more substantial, with early targets likely to include staying handicaps in the north before a possible tilt at National-type races if progress continues.
In a yard that prizes patience, Kingston James represents the long game — one of those horses who might not grab headlines now, but could easily be lining up for something special a year from today.
Big John Wayne: Lucinda Russell’s comeback chaser for 2025/26
Everyone loves a comeback story — and Big John Wayne might just be this yard’s redemption arc. After battling through health issues (including colic) and missing valuable time on the track, he’s finally back in training and showing the kind of enthusiasm that made the team believe in him from day one.
Described by Lucinda Russell as “a big, scopey galloper with a proper engine,” he looks the right type to make his mark once switched to fences. Early-season runs over hurdles should sharpen him up before a full chasing campaign later in 2025/26.
He’s one of those Lucinda Russell horses to follow if you enjoy spotting future staying chasers before the market catches on. The ability is there — now it’s about timing and a clear run of luck.
Spadestep: Lucinda Rusell’s consistent staying handicapper
Every stable needs one — the type of horse that quietly keeps the scoreboard ticking. For Lucinda Russell, that’s Spadestep. Tough, genuine, and endlessly reliable, he’s the kind of performer that rarely runs a bad race, especially when stamina is at a premium.
His progress last season didn’t come from flashy wins but from steady improvement across competitive handicaps, often against stronger opposition. He stays all day, handles most ground types, and gives his rider an honest spin every time.
For the 2025/26 National Hunt season, expect him to pop up in valuable staying handicaps at tracks like Kelso, Ayr or Perth — places where Russell traditionally strikes gold with her durable types. Punters take note: he might not be the headline act, but he’s the kind of horse that quietly pays for a few pints over the winter.
He’s already back in action this autumn with two solid runs to start his 2025/26 campaign. He kicked off with a straightforward win at Hexham, landing a Class 4 over 2m as the 1/4 favourite off a mark of 114 (RPR 111), jumping fluently and confirming his wellbeing. He then stepped up to a Class 3 at Aintree on 26 October, again sent off favourite (11/4) and ran another game race to finish second behind Jordans Cross (OR 120, 3/1). Those efforts suggest Spadestep has returned in fine heart and remains well capable of adding another handicap success for Lucinda Russell as the season deepens.
Biglesisback: Lucinda Russell’s young staying mare to watch
Every season brings a hidden gem or two from Lucinda Russell’s mares’ division, and Biglesisback could easily be one of them. Lightly raced but well regarded at home, she’s already shown the kind of attitude and stamina that this yard thrives on.
Early plans suggest she’ll begin the 2025/26 National Hunt season in staying hurdles — the ideal foundation for a future as a novice chaser later down the line. Her pedigree hints at natural stamina, and she moves with the kind of rhythm that usually improves with racing.
Russell has a fine record developing mares patiently (think Apple Away or Corach Rambler’s stablemates in their early days), so don’t be surprised if Biglesisback takes a big step forward once she finds her groove. She’s still raw, but the raw ones often turn out to be the most rewarding.
Choose A Copper: Lucinda Rusell’s long-term staying prospect
Every successful yard needs a project horse — one that might not shine straight away but has the raw materials to become something special. Choose A Copper fits that description to a tee. Bred for stamina and handled with patience by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, he’s been learning the game quietly, showing steady progress in his work at Arlary House.
The 2025/26 National Hunt season will likely be about education: learning fences, finding rhythm, and building experience in novice company. The team won’t rush him, but they believe he has the engine and temperament for a long career as a staying chaser.
Don’t expect instant fireworks — instead, look for those small but important signs of maturity. If he handles fences as smoothly as he’s schooling, Choose A Copper could evolve into one of those slow-burn types that end up running in Nationals down the line.
🆕 Suggested addition
Conman John — instant impact since joining the yard
Picked up by Lucinda Russell in September, Conman John has paid his way immediately: two runs in October, two wins. He opened up at Kelso on October 5, sent off a 4/11 hot favourite and did the job tidily (RPR 109). He then backed it up at Cheltenham on October 25, landing a 3m contest at 4/1, the sort of performance that suggests there’s more to come once the trips stay long and the tests get tougher.
Not in our original shortlist, but he belongs in this guide now. A proper staying type with momentum behind him — one to keep onside as the season deepens.
Between promise and proof: where Lucinda Russell’s horses mature
By this point, you start to notice a pattern running through Lucinda Russell’s yard: balance. For every seasoned campaigner like Ahoy Senor, there’s a youngster just learning the ropes — and that’s where the real fascination lies. Her team doesn’t rush the process; they let raw horses find their rhythm. That’s why so many of her so-called “slow burners” end up as Festival types two or three seasons later.
Watch her novice chasers closely this winter. The Scottish weather means plenty of testing ground, and that’s exactly what Lucinda Russell horses to follow thrive on. You’ll rarely see them flinch in a scrap or fade on the run-in. There’s something gritty about the way her string battles — not glamorous, maybe, but brutally effective.
So before moving on to the next name, remember this: following a Russell-trained horse isn’t just about chasing quick wins. It’s about patience, timing, and spotting those small moments when a good jumper suddenly gets it. That’s when you’ll want to be on board.
Why Lucinda Russell’s horses to follow deserve your attention
You might ask: with all the big southern yards, why pick Lucinda Russell? Simple — because she does more than just “turn up.” Her National Hunt yard combines hard work, patience, and long-term planning to produce consistent winners. The team’s infrastructure (with assistant trainer Michael Scudamore now co-licence holder), new boxes, and a pool of well-bred staying chasers make it one of the most complete operations north of Cheltenham.
Also, the Scottish location isn’t a weakness — it’s part of the formula. The cold mornings and deep gallops build resilience, creating the kind of Lucinda Russell horses to follow that travel well, stay forever, and fight to the line. For punters, fans, and casual watchers, this stable offers genuine value: horses that might not always get the headlines but consistently deliver when the going gets tough.
Life inside Arlary House
There’s something wonderfully old-school about how Lucinda Russell’s team goes about its work. You won’t find fancy gallops hidden under domes or endless data screens flashing split times. Instead, you’ll find muddy boots, the smell of hay, and a crew that genuinely loves what they do. The Arlary House routine is part science, part instinct — early starts, long canters over the Perthshire hills, and endless cups of tea when the rain inevitably arrives sideways.
Michael Scudamore’s growing role as co-trainer has only strengthened that culture. He brings a touch of precision and modern planning, while Russell provides the emotional pulse of the operation. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared belief that horses, like people, thrive when they’re happy. “They need to enjoy their job,” she often says — and if you’ve ever watched one of her runners pricking its ears after the last fence, you’ll know she means it.
What really makes this yard special is its loyalty to owners and staff. Many have been there for decades, riding out in snow, sleet or sunshine. That continuity creates horses that trust their people — and it shows in the way they finish their races. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, just consistency and care. In a sport increasingly driven by quick results, Russell’s operation feels refreshingly human.
What to watch for in Lucinda Russell’s 2025/26 National Hunt season
As every new campaign begins, there are always a few signs that tell you how strong a yard really is. In the case of Lucinda Russell, these are the clues that separate early promise from real momentum. For fans looking for Lucinda Russell horses to follow, here’s what to keep an eye on this season.
Key races and calendar spots for Lucinda Russell horses to follow
Expect strong representation at Cheltenham, Aintree, and the Scottish National meeting, plus key mares’ and staying chases through the winter. These are the fixtures that define her yard’s rhythm.
For an overview of all major meetings and festival dates, check out our complete National Hunt 2025/2026 calendar — your month-by-month guide to the upcoming jumps season.
Development flags
Horses switching from hurdles to fences — like Derryhassen Paddy or Big John Wayne — often signal upward trends. Watch for runners stepping up to 3m+ or testing graded company after promising novice campaigns. Early-season gallops and mid-winter comebacks are great indicators of intent.
Betting and fan angles for Lucinda Russell horses to follow
If you love a story, the comebacks (Big John Wayne), the steady improvers (Spadestep), or the classy mares (Apple Away) are all worth noting. Experienced punters know that Lucinda Russell’s runners often deliver value when the odds drift — especially on testing northern ground.
In short, 2025/26 looks set to bring another season of solid, tough performances from Scotland’s leading National Hunt yard — and maybe a few surprises for those paying attention.
Conclusion
So there you have it — ten names from Lucinda Russell’s yard that could shape the story of the 2025/26 National Hunt season. Whether you’re following Cheltenham hopefuls, gritty staying chasers, or northern handicappers, these are the Lucinda Russell horses to follow if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
Our advice? Jot their names down now, keep an eye on those early prep runs, and don’t be surprised if Scotland steals the spotlight once again. Inside The Paddock will be following every twist of their journey — make sure you are too.
“See you in the winner’s enclosure (or at least at the bar afterwards)!”
Before you close the notebook, make sure to visit our Horses to Follow archive — where we track the latest names and stories shaping the 2025/26 National Hunt season.
Bonus reflection: the northern way
What makes following Lucinda Russell’s yard so enjoyable is that it reminds you racing isn’t just about numbers or prize money — it’s about stories. Every horse up there carries a bit of Scotland with it: the stubbornness, the humour, the resilience. You see it in Apple Away’s grit, in Ahoy Senor’s swagger, and in the quiet determination of newcomers who just keep improving race after race.
When southern pundits start talking up the “powerhouses” before Cheltenham, this Scottish stable quietly sharpens its tools and delivers when it matters. That’s the Lucinda Russell way — humble preparation, hard graft, and a genuine love for the game. It’s why so many fans, from Perth to Punchestown, have a soft spot for her runners.
So as the 2025/26 National Hunt season unfolds, keep your notebook ready for these Lucinda Russell horses to follow. They might not always be favourites, but they’ll give you a run for your money — and probably a smile too. Because at Arlary House, every finish line is just another reason to saddle up again tomorrow.
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