- Michael Scudamore already works as assistant trainer to Russell unofficially
- His father, Peter, is Russell’s partner and also assists her at her Scottish stable
- Russell already has 19 winners this year, including the 2023 Grand National
Lucinda Russell’s plans to operate her increasingly successful stable under a joint licence with Michael Scudamore have been put on hold until next season.
The Scottish stable of dual Grand National winner Russell and the Herefordshire operation of Scudamore have joined forces, with Scudamore officially operating as an assistant trainer.
But administrative delays mean it will now be next year when a dual licence arrangement becomes official.
Russell and Scudamore are using both bases, with Michael’s retired jockey brother Tom overseeing the Herefordshire operation.
Russell already has 19 winners this season and her 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler makes his seasonal debut in the Edinburgh Gin Chase at Kelso on Saturday.
Lucinda Russell must wait a little longer to formalise dual licence with Michael Scudamore
Scudamore’s (pictured) Herefordshire yard is currently being overseen by his brother Tom
Peter Scudamore, partner and assistant to Russell as well as being father of Michael, said: ‘It has taken a long time to formulate. Michael already has a big input, so we are quite happy to officially sort things in the spring.
‘There are still i’s to dot and t’s to cross.
‘I couldn’t be happier with how it has gone for both Michael and Tom, the way they have fitted in and the help that they are.’
On Corach Rambler, Scudamore added: ‘It’s a good race for him to come back in. He is showing as much enthusiasm as he ever has but he has often needed his first run of the season (to get up to speed). If he runs OK, he’ll go for the Betfair Chase at Haydock (November 25).’
Meanwhile, Russell’s dual Group One winner Ahoy Senor is pencilled in to make his seasonal comeback in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby a week today.
Whether regular jockey Derek Fox will be able to take the mount hinges on the outcome of the rider’s appeal against a 10-day suspension that will be heard by the BHA on Thursday.
Russell’s partner – and Michael’s father – Peter (right) also currently works as Russell’s assistant and helped train Grand National winner Corach Rambler
