The 2025 Scottish Grand National is now just three days away and as such, now is an ideal opportunity for you to grab yourself some tasty free bets to use on the big event, leading bookmaker Ladbrokes going ‘Bet £5 Get £20 Free Bets’ for all new customers who register a betting account, subject to terms and conditions.
Who is Favourite to Win the 2025 Scottish Grand National?
We take a closer look at the current favourite with the bookmakers ahead of this weekend’s 2025 Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Scotland’s premier racing fixture takes centre stage on Saturday, as Ayr plays host to the Scottish Grand National (scheduled for 3:35pm), just a week after Nick Rockett triumphed in the English equivalent at Aintree.
A total of 33 horses remain in contention following the confirmation stage, although only 30 can line up on the day. Among them are 11 entries from the all-conquering Willie Mullins yard, as the Irish trainer continues his pursuit of the British Jump Trainers’ Championship. Mullins, who trailed Dan Skelton by £1.36 million prior to Aintree, is now the bookmakers’ favourite to lift the title.
Notably, two key ante-post market principals—Johnnywho (8/1) and Quai De Bourbon (10/1)—have not been declared.
The Scottish Grand National headlines a competitive eight-race card, which also includes the Scottish Champion Hurdle. That contest sees County Hurdle winner Kargese heading the market, as part of Mullins’ staggering 40 entries at Ayr on the day.
Latest Market Leader for the Scottish Grand National
High Class Hero currently heads the betting for the 2025 Scottish Grand National, available at a best-priced 14/1 with William Hill. Despite his position at the top of the market, he has accounted for fewer than 4% of ante-post bets placed over the past week.
The most popular selection among those still entered is Apple Away, attracting 8% of the ante-post wagers. The eight-year-old has been a model of consistency for Willie Mullins, boasting six wins and three runner-up finishes from ten career starts. His only real blemish came in last year’s Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
That said, he was well beaten last time out when making a series of errors, and a repeat of that jumping performance would leave him vulnerable in what is undoubtedly a more competitive affair. However, if he puts in a cleaner round of jumping and stays the trip, he looks a major player off his current mark of 148—particularly given his narrow second to Dancing City in a Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival.
