22 April 2023 , 12:25
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Sandy Thomson has lost count of the emails, text messages and letters he has received.
The vast majority sympathise over his stable's devastating loss of Grand National runner Hill Sixteen. But others lambast the trainer, who bid a tearful farewell to his horse at the first fence.
In the face of criticism, Thomson has stood firm, putting the blame at the protestors' door. He says Hill Sixteen, a proven Aintree performer, was stirred by their actions to delay the start of Saturday's race. Thomson, who has two runners in today's Coral Scottish National, feels the activists used Aintree to push their agenda for a plant-based food system.
"Social media gives them an instant platform, it was a PR goal targeting the Grand National," he said. "We have had many wonderful messages about Hill Sixteen and then you get the idiots contacting you.
"The staff have found it more difficult, as they don't usually deal with the media. Some of the protestors claim to have been to racing yards – to me it is clear they haven't."
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Thomson, whose grandfather bred dual Grand National runner-up MacMoffatt, feels happiest amongst his horses. He is based near Kelso Racecourse, the venue for a double on the run-up to Cheltenham's flagship National Hunt Festival.
Win My Wings with connections after her 2022 Coral Scottish Grand National victory (Getty)Before turning his hand to training, at stables steeped in history, Thomson took on the titans of rugby with the South of Scotland team. Back on home turf, he saddles Empire Steel and Flower Of Scotland in Ayr's feature race, which has a first prize of £112,540.
"It would give everyone a huge boost if they could run well," he said.
"On Tuesday, our work morning, it was just nice to be out with the horses – they've kept us going. We had the double at Kelso and a few weeks later, sadly lost Hill Sixteen. It is a game of ups and downs."
Empire Steel, who raised Kelso's roof with his late rattle to defy Le Milos 49 days ago, gives plenty of weight to stablemate Flower Of Scotland. The mare carries the colours of leading Scottish owner Raymond Anderson Green, who took the 2010 and 2012 renewals with Merigo.
Thomson says the two horses not only differ in the weight they carry, but in their personalities too.
"Empire Steel is called Squeals at home, he calls for his food in the morning and likes to have it first before the others," he said.
"Flower Of Scotland is much more laid back about everything. Ayr is very important to Scottish racing, it gives us a chance to take on the southern boys. It's great to be going there with two horses in with a good chance."