The 2025 Scottish Grand National follows hot on the heels of its Aintree equivalent and ahead of the big event on Saturday afternoon, why not register with leading UK bookmaker William Hill where you can add to the excitement with an excellent £30 Free Bet – available to new customers only, on receipt of an initial £10 deposit and wager of the same amount. T&Cs apply.
Fresh from a remarkable week at Aintree – capped by Nick Rockett’s emotional Grand National triumph – Willie Mullins is primed to launch an extraordinary raid on Saturday’s Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
With the British trainers’ championship hanging in the balance, the Closutton maestro has declared no fewer than 11 runners, forming a formidable force as he attempts to close in on Dan Skelton and defend his title.
The Irish trainer saddled the first three home at Aintree and now turns his attention north of the border, where £112,540 awaits the winner of Scotland’s most prestigious steeplechase. Mullins could fill an entire football team with his contenders, and with the betting market already swaying in his favour, the message is clear: the chase is very much on.
Here’s a look at each of the Willie Mullins eleven in this year’s Scottish Grand National:
13. Chosen Witness – 9/2 Favourite
A rising star in the betting, Chosen Witness has been subject to a significant gamble, backed into favouritism from 16/1 following Monday’s confirmations. Still travelling well when falling four out in a Grade 2 at Navan, he has shown flashes of class in his novice season. A course winner over hurdles at this meeting last year, and if Paul Townend opts for him, it could speak volumes.
10. O’Moore Park – 16/1
Caused a stir at Cheltenham with a shock third at 66/1 in the Golden Miller Novices’ Chase. The form has since been franked in style by Caldwell Potter, who bolted up in a Grade 1 at Aintree. Lightly raced and potentially still improving, O’Moore Park could surprise again over this extended trip.
7. Macdermott – 16/1
The reigning champion, Macdermott prevailed by a nose in last year’s photo-finish. Since then, though, his campaign has been underwhelming – two pulled-ups, an unseat, and a lowly finish in a large field. Still, returning to the scene of his greatest success might spark a revival, and the race clearly suits.
9. Captain Cody – 16/1
Unexposed and still searching for his first chase win, but Captain Cody is highly regarded. He was narrowly beaten by Three Card Brag in a beginners’ chase and shaped well until unseating in the National Hunt Chase at the Festival. Potentially well suited to marathon trips and remains full of promise.
2. High Class Hero – 16/1
Skipped Cheltenham in favour of a Grade 3 at Thurles, where he finished second as a hot favourite. Previously defeated stablemate Loughglynn at Punchestown and has long been viewed as a staying prospect. If he puts it all together, he could emerge as Mullins’ leading chance.
6. Olympic Man – 20/1
Carries the iconic Audrey Turley silks made famous by Galopin Des Champs. Got off the mark at Naas in March but disappointed prior to that, notably trailing in behind Captain Cody and Loughglynn. Needs to step up significantly to figure here but has potential for better.
4. Loughglynn – 25/1
A Grade 2-winning hurdler who has yet to win over fences. He was second to High Class Hero at Punchestown but must reverse that form and prove he can stay this extended trip. An interesting contender for handicaps, though his ceiling remains unclear.
14. Spanish Harlem – 33/1
Chased home the leaders in last year’s renewal, finishing sixth after a late error halted his progress. Has been quietly campaigned this season, including a midfield finish in the Thyestes Chase – won by Aintree hero Nick Rockett. Might be flying under the radar again.
31. Klarc Kent – 50/1
Outsider in last year’s National Hunt Chase, and his 2023/24 campaign has failed to catch fire. Finished a distant eighth at Cheltenham and remains winless in 11 chase attempts. Needs the handicap to shift in his favour and plenty of rain wouldn’t hurt either.
16. A Penny A Hundred – 50/1
Ran at this meeting last year over hurdles but failed to complete. She has placed in a couple of mares’ novice chases recently but faces a huge leap in class and distance. Looks to be one of the yard’s longer shots and may be there more for experience.
19. Judicieuse Allen – 50/1
Another mare in the Mullins line-up. She was last of five in a Listed mares’ chase at Fairyhouse and is yet to race beyond 2m6½f. Saturday’s extreme test represents a major unknown. Likely to struggle unless finding vast improvement for the step up in trip.
Verdict: Irish Invasion or Scottish Celebration?
Willie Mullins comes armed with strength in depth, and several of his runners boast compelling profiles for the demands of the Scottish Grand National. Of his team, Captain Cody looks one of the more intriguing – unexposed and with stamina to burn, he could be the one to carry the Ricci colours into contention late on.
However, this might yet be the year the trophy stays on home soil.
Lucinda Russell’s Whistle Stop Tour could be the one to thwart the Mullins monopoly. Already a dual winner at Ayr this season – including over 3m in January – he has been earmarked for this race for months. Forgive his Ultima performance at Cheltenham, where he was badly hampered early, and he’s a well-handicapped contender with course form, tactical speed, and proven stamina.
Russell said in October that he “could be a Scottish Grand National horse” – now’s the time to prove it.
