Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore announce joint training licence

Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore have been granted a joint licence by the British Horseracing Authority.

Russell, who has been training since 1995 in the professional ranks, has sent out over 1,000 winners in her own name, including two Grand Nationals and four Cheltenham Festival successes.

Scudamore, who has been linked to the Kinross yard since 2023, had previously trained in his own right in Herefordshire.

“The long-term plan has always been for Michael and myself to become joint trainers and it represents an exciting development for the stable as we look forward to the 2025/26 jumps season,” said Russell.

“In his two years as assistant trainer Michael has been able to embed himself into his role within the team and fully acquaint himself with our training methods which utilise the outstanding natural resources of the Perthshire countryside.

“Apart from the names of the licence, nothing will change but the effects of having Michael on board in a leadership role are already evident.

“The size of our stable has increased by 20 per cent since he arrived in Scotland. We have built more stables and will have around 160 horses in training by the time the jumps season fully kicks into gear.

“Being able to share responsibility for the operational running of the stable has also allowed me to concentrate more time on arguably the most important part of training, sourcing new horses. That has seen the quality of horses we are able to train continue to improve thanks to the support of our owners.”

Scudamore, son of Russell’s partner and assistant Peter, said: “I am really excited to be joining Lucinda as joint trainer. The Russell stable has been one of the most successful in the country over the last two years and this move reflects our ambitions to reach even greater heights.

“Any trainer will tell you that when you move into a new stable it takes time to get used to the gallops and the environment around you.

“The last two years have been a great learning experience. I now feel I am fully integrated into a very experienced team in which everyone knows their roles.

“We have had some great results and everyone is eager to further build on that success.”