The top National Hunt event in Scotland was claimed by a team from England when Philip Hobbs and jockey Johnson White guided Kap Vert to a decisive win in the Coral Scottish Grand National, leaving rivals Git Maker and Kim Roque trailing behind. This six‑year‑old horse, still relatively inexperienced with only five previous attempts over fences, displayed a remarkable level of confidence and consistency throughout the race, staying firmly in the lead under the skilled riding of Sean Houlihan.
Kap Vert's performance was particularly impressive given his limited background in jump racing. Despite having just a handful of outings over obstacles, the gelding maintained a steady rhythm and displayed the kind of composure usually reserved for more seasoned campaigners. His ability to find the right stride and keep a clean rhythm over each fence allowed him to stay ahead of the field, and his jumping technique, while not flawless, was more than adequate for a horse at this stage of development.
In contrast, the Midlands National winner Isaac Des Obeaux, who entered the race with strong credentials, struggled in the final stages. Des Obeaux appeared to be a serious contender for the win, but a serious mistake early in the home straight saw him lose momentum, ultimately slipping back to finish fourth. Git Maker, another strong contender, made a critical error almost a mile from the finish line.
The horse appeared to be on course for a podium place, but a misstep caused him to lose ground and nearly separate from his jockey, Jonathan Burke. Nevertheless, Git Maker rallied after the mistake, showing resilience and determination. He managed to recover enough to finish just one and a half lengths behind the winner, securing second place.
Kim Roque, the 4‑1 favourite, held on to claim third, demonstrating that even with a strong field, the race was competitive and required tactical riding from all involved. Earlier in the day, Hobbs and White had already tasted success at the same meeting, finishing second in the Scottish Champion Hurdle aboard Captain Hugo. The double achievement underscored the skill of the training partnership and the quality of their stable.
The Scottish Grand National victory brought a substantial £112,000 prize purse back to their base in Somerset, providing a generous reward for the hard work put in throughout the season. The win also highlighted the broader context of the day's racing schedule, which featured a number of high‑profile events across the UK.
On Sky Sports Racing, viewers could watch Zavateri and Albert Einstein clash in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, a race that often serves as a key trial for three‑year‑old milers targeting the classic season. Newbury's racing programme also included the start of the Spring Trials weekend, offering a platform for emerging talent to showcase their abilities ahead of the major summer festivals.
Further afield, Newmarket delivered its own share of excitement. Oxagon captured the Craven Stakes, adding to the impressive record of the in‑form training operation led by John Gosden. Meanwhile, Azleet, a relatively unheralded runner, produced a stunning upset in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, winning at odds of 50‑1 and earning a place in the conversation for the upcoming 1000 Guineas.
The day also featured a personal insight from jockey Hollie Doyle, who shared her anticipation of learning more about Derby hopeful Wareeth during the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket, adding a human element to the racing narrative. Overall, Kap Vert's triumph in the Scottish Grand National serves as a testament to the value of patient development and strategic race placement.
While the horse's jumping was still evolving, the combination of a strong riding partnership, careful conditioning, and a clear race plan allowed him to out‑finish more experienced rivals. The victory not only adds a prestigious title to Hobbs and White's résumé but also enriches the broader tapestry of British jump racing, where emerging talent can rise to the occasion and challenge established champions. The full race report, with detailed sectional timings, jockey comments, and post‑race analysis, will be published later, providing a comprehensive look at how Kap Vert managed to dominate the field, the tactical decisions made by Sean Houlihan, and the implications of this win for the remainder of the National Hunt season. This victory will likely influence future entries into major staying chases, as connections may consider targeting other high‑profile events such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Grand National at Aintree, given the horse's demonstrated stamina and ability to handle pressure on a demanding course.
In summary, the Coral Scottish Grand National delivered a thrilling contest that highlighted the depth of talent within the sport, the importance of strategic training, and the excitement that comes with watching a relatively young horse seize a historic prize. The win for Kap Vert, Hobbs, and White will be remembered as a defining moment in the 2024‑25 National Hunt calendar, and it sets the stage for an intriguing second half of the season where more stories of triumph and perseverance are sure to unfold.