Philip Hobbs and Johnson White celebrated a cross‑border triumph as their horse Kap Vert captured the coveted Coral Scottish Grand National, leaving rivals Git Maker and Kim Roque trailing in the final stages. The six‑year‑old colt, only on his fifth start over fences, displayed a remarkable turn of foot and composure throughout the race, guided expertly by jockey Sean Houlihan.
From the outset Kap Vert settled comfortably in a prominent position, never losing momentum as the field negotiated the demanding course. Despite his limited experience over jumps, the youngster’s technique was sound; each fence was approached with confidence, and his strides between obstacles remained steady and efficient. This poise under pressure proved decisive, especially when compared with the performance of Midlands National victor Isaac Des Obeaux. Des Obeaux, who had entered the race as a serious contender, appeared to be on a strong trajectory until a costly mistake in the home straight – a badly timed belting that sent him to the back of the pack and ultimately relegated him to fourth place.
The race’s pivotal moment arrived just under a mile from the finish when Git Maker, who had been tracking the leaders closely, made a serious error. The horse momentarily lost balance and nearly unseated rider Jonathan Burke. Though Git Maker managed to recover and re‑gather, the slip cost valuable ground. Despite the setback, the pair rallied admirably, fighting back to finish a close second, just a length and a half behind the winner.
Their effort was enough to hold off the 4‑1 favourite Kim Roque, who secured third place after a strong finish but could not quite match the stamina displayed by Kap Vert. Earlier in the day Hobbs and White had already tasted success, finishing runner‑up in the Scottish Champion Hurdle aboard Captain Hugo. The double‑day achievement underscored the trainers’ skill and the quality of their stable, especially as the Scottish Grand National offered a substantial £112,000 first‑place purse. Bringing that prize back to their Somerset base not only provided a handsome financial reward but also reinforced their reputation as leading figures in National Hunt racing.
Beyond the main event, the day’s programme featured several notable storylines. Rising star Luke Littler and seasoned professional Stephen Bunting announced their entry into racehorse ownership, joining forces with Michael Owen’s stables – a partnership that promises fresh investment and enthusiasm for the sport.
On the flat racing front, Sky Sports Racing highlighted a thrilling showdown between Zavateri and Albert Einstein in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, a race that could shape the early season’s sprinting landscape. Newbury’s own racing calendar continued to build momentum, with the Greenham Stakes positioned as a key trial for upcoming middle‑distance contests.
Analysts praised Zavateri’s recent form and suggested the horse could be a strong contender in the race, while Albert Einstein’s pedigree and recent performances also made him a credible threat. The weekend’s Spring Trials at Newbury were set to showcase a blend of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, offering fans a preview of the season’s competitive depth. Meanwhile, Newmarket delivered its own highlights. Oxagon, trained by the in‑form team of John Gosden, captured the Craven Stakes, reinforcing the stable’s dominance in early‑season mile races.
In another surprise, Azleet, a lightly‑fancied runner, emerged as a serious 1000 Guineas prospect after a stunning 50‑1 upset victory in the Nell Gwyn Stakes, signaling that the classic season could be full of unexpected twists. The Scottish Grand National itself remains one of the sport’s most demanding tests, combining a long distance with challenging fences that test stamina, jumping ability, and tactical acumen. Kap Vert’s victory, achieved on only his fifth fence outing, highlights both the horse’s natural aptitude and the astute guidance of trainer Philip Hobbs, whose experience in preparing stayers for marathon contests was evident throughout the race.
Sean Houlihan’s composure in the saddle, particularly during the critical phases when rivals faltered, was equally instrumental in securing the win. In summary, the day’s racing narrative was defined by Kap Vert’s impressive breakthrough, the resilience of Git Maker and Kim Roque, and a series of ancillary developments that promise to shape the remainder of the National Hunt and flat racing seasons.
Full race analysis and detailed sectional timings will be released in the upcoming report, providing further insight into the strategies employed and the performances that defined this memorable Scottish National.