A BRIGHT future awaits Bromsash-based Horse Trainer Michael Scudamore, 28, after his horse, Monbeg Dude, won the Welsh National at Chepstow last weekend.

"Every trainer dreams of winning a race like this," said Michael talking to the Gazette at his bustling training yard. "But this is like a fairytale. This is the best advertisement I could get for what we do here as a team."

It wasn't the most orthodox of races, however. With four fences to go, Monbeg Dude was still 15 lengths behind the leaders, with some notable jumping concerns. A genius and inspired ride by jockey, Paul Carberry, brought Monbeg Dude home to a stunning finish and Michael's first major race victory.

When Michael first bought Monbeg Dude it wasn't with an eye to winning the Welsh National. However, from early on he thought the horse would be good. "A horse is like an athlete with strict diet and exercise." Michael acknowledges the massive team involved that helped them win the Welsh national: Maz, stable hands, vets and blacksmiths to name just a few.

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.