The Coral Scottish Grand National, the most prestigious National Hunt event in Scotland, was claimed by a team from the south of England as Philip Hobbs and jockey Johnson White guided Kap Vert to a decisive win over rivals Git Maker and Kim Roque. The six‑year‑old chestnut, only in his fifth start over fences, displayed a remarkable turn of foot and composure throughout the race, staying prominently positioned under the steady guidance of rider Sean Houlihan. From the outset Kap Vert settled comfortably among the leaders, never losing touch with the pace.
Despite his limited experience over jumps, the horse’s technique over the obstacles was surprisingly clean, with each fence negotiated without hesitation. This poise contrasted sharply with the performance of Midlands National champion Isaac Des Obeaux, who, although appearing to have a genuine chance at the front, made a costly mistake early in the home straight. Des Obeaux struck a fence badly, losing momentum and eventually fading to finish fourth, well behind the leading trio.
Git Maker, another strong contender, also made a critical error roughly a mile from the finish. The horse appeared to be losing contact with jockey Jonathan Burke, and for a brief moment it seemed the race might be out of his reach.
Nevertheless, Git Maker managed to recover enough to stay in contention, ultimately finishing a close second, just a length and a half behind the winner. The runner‑up’s resilience was notable, especially given the mishap that could have ended his challenge prematurely. In third place, the 4‑1 favourite Kim Roque held on despite the pressure from the leaders.
While the horse could not match the final burst of speed shown by Kap Vert, the performance was respectable and demonstrated the quality that had made Kim Roque a betting favorite before the start. The final order—Kap Vert first, Git Maker second, and Kim Roque third—reflected a race where experience, tactical riding, and a touch of luck combined to determine the outcome. The victory carried significant financial reward. The winning purse of £112,000 will be taken back to Somerset, providing a substantial boost to the Hobbs stable.
Earlier in the same meeting, Hobbs and White had also secured a second‑place finish in the Scottish Champion Hurdle aboard Captain Hugo, underscoring the day’s overall success for the trainer and jockey partnership. Beyond the Grand National, the day's racing program featured several noteworthy events. On Sky Sports Racing, the Greenham Stakes at Newbury showcased a clash between Zavateri and Albert Einstein, two promising three‑year‑olds aiming to prove their stamina and speed ahead of the classic season.
Newbury’s spring trial meetings also kicked off, offering a platform for emerging talent to test their form against strong opposition. In the surrounding racing circuit, Newmarket delivered its own highlights.
Oxagon, representing the in‑form stable of trainer John Gosden, captured the Craven Stakes, further cementing Gosden’s reputation for preparing top‑class milers. Meanwhile, Azleet shocked the betting public by winning the Nell Gwyn Stakes at odds of 50‑1, thrusting the colt into serious contention for the upcoming 1000 Guineas and adding a compelling storyline to the early season narrative.
Jockey Hollie Doyle contributed a personal blog entry, expressing her anticipation of learning more about Derby hopeful Wareeth during the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket. Her insights offered fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at the preparation and strategy involved in targeting one of the sport’s most coveted events. The Scottish Grand National win by Kap Vert not only adds a prestigious trophy to Hobbs’s stable but also highlights the importance of strategic race placement, the value of a calm and confident rider, and the unpredictable nature of National Hunt racing where a single mistake can dramatically alter the outcome. As the season progresses, the implications of this victory will resonate, influencing future entries, breeding considerations, and the confidence of connections aiming for further success in the upper echelons of jump racing.
Full race report and detailed analysis will follow in due course, providing a deeper dive into sectional times, ground conditions, and the tactical decisions that shaped the final result.