Philip Hobbs and Johnson White celebrated a cross‑border triumph when their six‑year‑old runner, Kap Vert, surged ahead to win the Coral Scottish Grand National, leaving rivals Git Maker and Kim Roque in his wake. The victory marked a significant achievement for the pair, as the race is Scotland’s most prestigious National Hunt event and the prize pot of £112,000 will now be taken back to their Somerset stables. Kap Vert’s performance was all the more impressive given that this was only his fifth start over fences.
Ridden with confidence by jockey Sean Houlihan, the colt displayed a steady, forward‑driving rhythm from the start, never looking hesitant or out of balance. His jumping was clean and efficient, a testament to the careful preparation his connections have given him despite his relative inexperience at this level. In a race that often tests a horse’s stamina and jumping precision, Kap Vert proved that a young, lightly‑ridden horse can still dominate when guided by a seasoned trainer and a competent rider.
The race narrative unfolded with several notable moments. Early on, the field settled into a rhythm, but the real drama began as the finish approached. Isaac Des Obeaux, the Midlands National champion, seemed poised to challenge for the lead.
However, he made a critical error in the home straight, striking a fence with a heavy impact that caused him to lose momentum and drop back to fourth place. His mistake highlighted the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in a demanding contest like the Scottish Grand National. Git Maker, another strong contender, also suffered a costly blunder about a mile from the finish.
The horse appeared to lose his composure, nearly unseating rider Jonathan Burke. Although Git Maker managed to recover and rally, the error proved too great to overcome, and he ultimately finished a close second, just one and a half lengths behind Kap Vert. The resilience shown by Git Maker in fighting back after the mistake was commendable, but it was not enough to deny the winner. Kim Roque, the 4‑1 favourite entering the race, held on valiantly to secure third place.
Despite the pressure from the leaders and the challenging conditions typical of a Scottish National, the horse maintained a steady pace and finished strongly, confirming the high expectations placed on him by bettors and pundits alike. For Hobbs and White, the day’s success was doubly rewarding. Earlier in the meeting they had already taken second place in the Scottish Champion Hurdle with Captain Hugo, showing their stable’s versatility across different National Hunt disciplines. The Grand National win, however, brought a substantial financial reward and added a marquee victory to their résumé, reinforcing their reputation as top‑class trainers capable of preparing horses for the most demanding races.
Beyond the immediate result, the win has broader implications for the future campaign of Kap Vert. Having demonstrated both stamina and jumping proficiency, the six‑year‑old could be aimed at other high‑profile staying chases later in the season, such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Grand National at Aintree, should he continue to develop under Houlihan’s guidance. The confidence gained from this performance will also be valuable for the jockey, who now has a Grade 1‑level victory to his credit. The race day itself was packed with other noteworthy events, as highlighted by the Sky Sports Racing schedule.
At Newbury, the Greenham Stakes featured a showdown between Zavateri and Albert Einstein, while the Spring Trials weekend kicked off at the same venue, promising a busy week for flat racing enthusiasts. In Newmarket, Oxagon delivered a decisive Craven Stakes win for trainer William Gosden’s in‑form stable, and Azleet’s surprising 50‑1 upset in the Nell Gwyn Stakes catapulted the filly into serious 1000 Guineas contention. Additionally, jockey Hollie Doyle shared insights in her blog about the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket, where Derby hopeful Wareeth is expected to make an impression.
Overall, Kap Vert’s Scottish Grand National triumph stands out as a testament to the skill of his trainers, the composure of his jockey, and the horse’s own innate talent. The victory not only adds a prestigious title to Hobbs and White’s record but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the National Hunt season, with many eyes now turning to the next challenges this promising six‑year‑old will face. Full race report to follow.