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Scottish Grand National 2025: Full Handicap Weights Revealed as Mr Incredible Tops the List
The official weights for the 2025 Scottish Grand National at Ayr have been published, and it’s the enigmatic Mr Incredible who finds himself at the top of the handicap. The unpredictable nine-year-old, known as much for his quirks as his staying power, has been allocated a hefty burden of 12st, despite a chequered campaign.
Formerly trained by Willie Mullins, Mr Incredible now resides in the Sandy Thomson yard. However, his antics continue to overshadow his talent. Last seen pulling himself up in the Midlands Grand National, he was barred from taking part in last weekend’s Grand National at Aintree due to behavioural concerns. That came after a refusal to race at Wetherby in the Rowland Meyrick Chase on Boxing Day.
While his engine is not in doubt—he was placed in top staying handicaps last season—carrying top weight to victory would be an extraordinary turnaround given his recent form, which includes more letters than numbers.
Mullins Well Represented Once More
Willie Mullins, fresh from a dominant display at Aintree, is seeking to retain his grip on the British Trainers’ Championship. The Closutton powerhouse has 11 entries in this year’s Scottish showpiece, including Macdermott, last year’s narrow winner.
Now rated 142, Macdermott will carry 11st 6lbs, a 5lb rise from his mark 12 months ago. While his recent form has been mixed, a return to Ayr may reignite his spark.
Stablemate High Class Hero, who avoided Cheltenham in favour of a Grade 3 at Thurles last month, heads Mullins’ contingent in terms of rating. The promising novice has been allotted 11st 12lbs off a mark of 148 and shapes as one who could thrive over this stamina-sapping trip.
Another intriguing Mullins contender is Chosen Witness, the ante-post favourite with a rating of 137. Though winless in three chase starts, he has course form, having won over hurdles on the undercard of this very fixture last year. Connections clearly feel there’s more to come, and a big run would be no surprise.
Leading British Hopefuls
The home challenge is spearheaded by Henry’s Friend, trained by Ben Pauling, who carries 11st 8lbs off a mark of 144. A strong stayer with smart handicap form, he looks to have solid claims if handling the unique demands of Ayr.
Apple Away, representing Lucinda Russell, is another British-trained contender with a live chance. Set to carry 11st 2lbs, the mare is already a dual course winner and could relish the return to better ground after a disappointing effort at Uttoxeter last time.
Russell’s Whistle Stop Tour, who was hampered early and pulled up in the Ultima at Cheltenham, has been given 11st. He remains on many shortlists, especially having already scored at Ayr over fences this season.
Scottish Grand National 2025 – Handicap Weights
No. | Horse | Weight |
1 | Mr Incredible | 12st |
2 | High Class Hero | 11st 12lbs |
3 | Henry’s Friend | 11st 8lbs |
4 | Loughglynn | 11st 7lbs |
5 | Our Power | 11st 7lbs |
6 | Olympic Man | 11st 6lbs |
7 | Macdermott | 11st 6lbs |
8 | Famous Bridge | 11st 5lbs |
9 | Captain Cody | 11st 4lbs |
10 | O’Moore Park | 11st 4lbs |
11 | Surrey Quest | 11st 3lbs |
12 | Apple Away | 11st 2lbs |
13 | Chosen Witness | 11st 1lb |
14 | Spanish Harlem | 11st |
15 | Whistle Stop Tour | 11st |
16 | A Penny A Hundred | 10st 11lbs |
17 | Hasthing | 10st 11lbs |
18 | Rock My Way | 10st 11lbs |
19 | Judicieuse Allen | 10st 11lbs |
20 | Guard Your Dreams | 10st 10lbs |
21 | Sail Away | 10st 10lbs |
22 | Wiseguy | 10st 7lbs |
23 | Flash De Touzaine | 10st 7lbs |
24 | Walking On Air | 10st 6lbs |
25 | Theformismighty | 10st 6lbs |
26 | The Kniphand | 10st 5lbs |
27 | Your Own Story | 10st 5lbs |
28 | Grozni | 10st 5lbs |
29 | Dom Of Mary | 10st 4lbs |
30 | Snipe | 10st 4lbs |
31 | Klarc Kent | 10st |
32 | Magna Sam | 10st |
33 | Brandt | 9st 12lbs |