Everything you need to know about the Scottish Grand National
The equine world is a far-reaching place, covering many different aspects. While horse sales are an obvious example, horse racing is also massively important to the sector. There is a natural connection between horse sales and racing, as many horses that are sold make their way into racing.
Horse racing is popular around the UK for the scintillating action it delivers. The range of top-class races to follow is also crucial and this includes the Scottish Grand National. This race is not only popular to watch but is also one that punters like to bet on at horse racing betting sites. Popular sportsbooks for Scottish Grand National betting include bet365, Luckster and Betfred.
2025’s edition is set to take place on 12 April and will see 30 runners competing for first place. As this date is not far away, now is a great time to find out everything you need to know about the race and who might win it this year.
Scottish Grand National: basic overview
The biggest races are a staple of the latest horse racing news and this includes the Scottish Grand National. The race takes place at Ayr Racecourse each April and is the premier jumps race in Scotland.
It features the best jumps horses, jockeys and trainers in UK racing. This normally includes some horses who have run the Grand National at Aintree, which takes place just before the Scottish Grand National.
The race is run over around 4 miles, which makes it a real test of stamina. There are also 27 fences to get over as horses make their way round, and this means the race is even more challenging. Classed as a handicap steeplechase, it awards around £200,000 in prize money each year.
History of Scottish Grand National
Before we focus on 2025’s race, it’s interesting to look back at the history the Scottish Grand National boasts. It was first run in 1858 in Renfrewshire before relocating to Bogside racecourse in 1867. The race didn’t move to Ayr until 1966 but has been run there ever since.
Famous past winners include Red Rum in 1974, Little Polveir in 1987, Earth Summit in 1994 and Corach Rambler in 2023. The fastest time recorded by a winner was 3 minutes and 58 seconds by Androma in 1984.
Scottish Grand National 2025: what to expect
While digging into the history of this race makes for interesting reading, most punters will be keen to know more about what it might offer in 2025.
The favourite with most bookies is Johnnywho. This is a JP McManus-owned horse who has picked up strong support with punters. McManus has been successful so far this year and has racked up some major wins at big meets. With the horse itself a progressive sort in decent form, it certainly looks to be the one to beat.
Past Johnnywho, the next contender looking most likely is The Changing Man. This Joe Tizzard-trained horse is well fancied and has been in pretty good form overall. A second place in the Ultima Handicap at Cheltenham was encouraging and he showed his class in a competitive field.
Quai De Bourbon is another name that is riding high in ante post betting for this race. Owned by the Gigginstown House Stud and trained by Willie Mullins, he certainly has the pedigree to do well. This is another horse in decent form and has some eye-catching wins to his name this year. A tough victory in a beginner’s chase at Gowran Park showed he can dig deep in challenging conditions.
How to watch the Scottish Grand National 2025
For most people, watching this race involves catching it on TV or online. ITV Racing is one of the bigger broadcasters to show it, as is Racing TV. Both channels not only cover the race itself but include in-depth analysis.
If you prefer to watch online, some of the biggest sportsbooks offer free streaming once you’ve placed a bet on the race. This offers a convenient way to catch the action and see how your bet plays out.
To get the full Scottish Grand National experience, you can always attend the race in person at Ayr. Whether you go for general admission or a VIP package, you’re sure to have a great time. Making the effort to attend in person not only gives you that authentic racing atmosphere to enjoy but also all the entertainment options that Ayr racecourse has to offer.
Just remember to check the dress code before heading to the course – while smart casual is fine for general admission, more formal wear might be needed for VIP ticket holders. Another good tip if you plan to check out this race in person is that you should aim to arrive early. This means you’ll avoid any long queues to get in and gives you plenty of time to check out all the racecourse has to offer.
Betting tips for 2025 Scottish Grand National
If you plan to place a bet on this race, finding the best tips before you make your choice is wise. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- Look for horses who have performed well over longer distances and have good stamina.
- Check the recent form of any horse you plan to back.
- Check the going before betting and look for horses who do well in similar conditions.
- Look for trainers who traditionally do well in this race, such as Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson.
- Think about placing each-way bets, as these can be easier to make a return on in races with big fields.
Scottish Grand National key for UK racing
There’s no doubt that the Scottish Grand National is one of the premier events in UK racing. It never fails to bring together the best trainers, jockeys and horses to battle it out each year. 2025’s version looks set to continue this trend and will surely be a real spectacle of racing action.