The Coral Scottish Grand National, the most prestigious National Hunt event in Scotland, was won by Kap Vert, giving trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Johnson White a triumph that crossed the border into English racing territory. The six‑year‑old horse, still relatively inexperienced with only his fifth start over fences, displayed a remarkable turn of foot and composure throughout the race, ultimately pulling away from rivals Git Maker and Kim Roque to claim the top spot.
From the outset Kap Vert was positioned prominently, with jockey Sean Houlihan guiding him into a strong rhythm. Despite his limited jumping résumé, the gelding’s technique over the obstacles was solid, and he handled the demanding course with confidence.
His ability to maintain a steady pace and respond to the pace‑setting leaders allowed him to stay in contention as the race progressed. One of the main storylines of the day involved Midlands National winner Isaac Des Obeaux, who appeared to have a genuine chance of challenging for the win. However, his campaign was abruptly halted when he made a serious error early in the home straight, striking a fence and losing momentum.
The mistake dropped him back to fourth place, underscoring how unforgiving the Scottish Grand National can be for even the most accomplished horses. Git Maker, another key contender, suffered a costly mistake roughly a mile from the finish.
While the horse briefly appeared to be in danger of being pulled up by jockey Jonathan Burke, he managed to recover and finish strongly. In the end, Git Maker was edged out by a narrow margin—just one and a half lengths—securing second place. The runner‑up effort was a testament to the horse’s resilience after the error, and it highlighted the fine margins that separate the top finishers in such a demanding contest. Kim Roque, who started the race as the 4‑1 favourite, held on to take third place.
The horse displayed the class expected of a favourite, staying close to the leaders and finishing just behind the top two. Although not able to convert that favoritism into a win, Kim Roque’s performance was respectable and demonstrated the depth of the field.
Earlier on the same day, Hobbs and White had also tasted success in the Scottish Champion Hurdle, where they finished second aboard Captain Hugo. The double‑day achievement, capped by the £112,000 first‑place prize from the Grand National, provided a substantial financial and reputational boost for the Somerset‑based connections. The win not only added a prestigious trophy to their stable but also reinforced Hobbs’ reputation as a trainer capable of delivering top‑class performances across the United Kingdom. The race was part of a broader programme of notable events and news in the racing world.
At Sandown, rising star Raaheeb, a Derby hopeful, delivered a polished performance in a Classic Trial, continuing a family tradition of success on the track. In another Sandown meeting, Opera Ballo produced a thrilling finish, denying Field Of Gold in a tightly contested mile race.
Meanwhile, jump‑training specialist Dan Skelton expressed pride in his team after securing the jumps trainers’ championship, highlighting the collaborative effort required to achieve such accolades. Television coverage on Sky Sports Racing featured additional fixtures at Doncaster, Chepstow, and Fontwell, offering fans a full day of racing action. Betting markets also saw movement, with Aventure being backed heavily to upset Daryz in the Prix Ganay showdown, reflecting the ever‑changing dynamics of European flat racing.
Beyond the track, the sport saw new ownership ventures as professional darts players Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting entered the world of racehorse ownership at Michael Owen’s stables, illustrating the growing appeal of equine sport to athletes from other disciplines. Overall, Kap Vert’s victory in the Scottish Grand National will be remembered as a landmark achievement for a relatively inexperienced horse and a testament to the skill of trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Johnson White.
Their ability to guide a five‑run jumper to success in one of the toughest National Hunt tests showcases the blend of preparation, talent, and strategic riding that defines elite racing. Full race analysis and further details will be provided in the upcoming comprehensive report.