Scottish Grand National 2025 Preview – The Horses, the Trainers, and the Big Questions

The Scottish Grand National is one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar, and the 2025 edition promises to deliver all the drama and excitement that fans have come to expect.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 12, at Ayr Racecourse, this four-mile marathon will see 30 runners tackle 27 fences in a test of stamina, jumping ability, and sheer determination.

With 60 entries vying for just 30 spots, competition to make the final cut has been fierce. Let’s take a look at the contenders shaping this year’s race.

Top of The Betting Markets

The betting markets for the 2025 Scottish Grand National are already taking shape, and it’s no surprise to see Johnnywho sitting at the top of the pile.

Owned by the ever-prominent JP McManus, the horse has attracted strong support from punters and bookies alike.

McManus has been in outstanding form throughout the season, racking up wins across major meetings and showing once again why he's one of the most successful and influential owners in the sport.

With a reputation for targeting the big races and a roster of proven talent behind him, seeing one of his runners go off favourite has almost become expected.

Given his past horse racing results, Johnnywho fits the bill perfectly – progressive, consistent, and arriving at Ayr with plenty of promise.

Given McManus’ strike rate this year, few will be betting against him adding the Scottish National to his already impressive haul.

The Field for 2025: A Closer Look

Looking at the initial field for the Scottish Grand National can feel a bit like trying to read form through fog, especially when there are 60 entries and only 30 places available.

With such a big pool of potential runners, it’s tricky to know which horses will actually line up on the day.

Trainers often enter more than one, some are there just in case, and others might drop out if the ground doesn’t suit or they get a better option elsewhere.

For punters, it means treading carefully in the early betting markets. A horse that looks like a tempting bet might not even make the final cut, while a less-fancied outsider could sneak in and spring a surprise.

The key is to watch how the declarations unfold, and keep an eye on who’s being backed quietly as the field starts to narrow.

And once the runners are confirmed, keeping up with horse racing live results will be essential to track form and spot trends before the big day.

That said, while final declarations are still pending, early betting markets have highlighted several standout contenders.

Here’s a closer look at the top three in the betting:

Johnnywho

Johnnywho, the current antepost favourite for the 2025 Scottish Grand National, brings a blend of class and consistency to this year’s race.

Trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by the legendary J.P. McManus, this eight-year-old gelding has shown solid form over fences, highlighted by his victory in a novice chase at Carlisle last October.

He is lightly chased with only five runs under his belt and while he hasn’t yet won at the highest level, his recent runner-up finish in a competitive handicap chase at Cheltenham over 3m2f on good-to-soft ground demonstrated his stamina and ability to compete in large fields.

With Jonjo O’Neill’s stable hitting form recently (8% strike rate in the last fortnight), Johnnywho looks primed for a bold showing in this prestigious contest.

The Changing Man

The Changing Man, trained by Joe Tizzard, is a strong contender for the 2025 Scottish Grand National and currently sits second in the betting markets.

His recent form is particularly encouraging; he was runner-up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month, finishing behind Myretown in a competitive field over 3m1f on good-to-soft ground.

Earlier this season, he secured an impressive 24-length victory in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices' Chase at Ascot, showcasing his ability to dominate over staying distances.

With Tizzard’s yard operating at a solid 17% strike rate in the past fortnight and Brendan Powell likely to retain the ride, The Changing Man has all the attributes to deliver a big performance on April 12.

Quai De Bourbon

Quai De Bourbon, trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, is another solid prospect.

This six-year-old gelding has already demonstrated significant promise in his six chase starts, winning three of them.

His most recent outing at the Cheltenham Festival saw him unseat his rider in a Grade 1 novice chase over 3m½f, but prior to that, he claimed a hard-fought victory in a beginners' chase at Gowran Park on heavy ground, showcasing his ability to dig deep under challenging conditions.

Mullins’ stable is in scintillating form with a 54% strike rate over the past fortnight, and jockey Paul Townend could provide the experience needed to guide this lightly raced contender through the field.

While his relative inexperience over fences might raise questions, Quai De Bourbon’s class and connections make him a serious player in this year’s renewal.

Key Trends to Consider

Analysing past winners provides valuable insights into what it takes to win this contest:

Age: Horses aged seven to nine have dominated in recent years.

Weight: Carrying less than 11 stone is often advantageous due to the stamina-sapping nature of the race.

Form: A top-three finish in their last outing is a common trait among past winners.

Ground Preference: Horses that handle soft or good-to-soft ground tend to excel at Ayr in April.

With these trends in mind, it might be better to lean toward younger horses with proven stamina who come into the race in good form.

Ground conditions also play a pivotal role; horses with proven stamina on soft or good-to-soft ground often have an edge.

Last year’s winner, Macdermott, trained by Willie Mullins, exemplified these traits with a gutsy performance that secured him the £112,540 top prize.

The Big Questions

As we approach race day, several questions loom large.

Will Weather Play a Role? Ayr’s ground conditions can vary significantly depending on spring rainfall.

Heavy going would favour proven mudlarks like Johnnywho, while good-to-soft would suit speedier types like Quai De Bourbon.

Can Willie Mullins Repeat? Mullins won last year with Macdermott and has multiple entries again this year. His runners always demand respect.

Who Will Make the Final Cut? With only 30 spots available from 60 entries, some high-profile names may miss out if they don’t impress during final declarations.

However it all plays out, the 2025 Scottish Grand National promises to be another thrilling renewal of this historic race.

With a deep field of talented runners and plenty of unanswered questions heading into race day, fans are set for an afternoon of high drama at Ayr Racecourse.

Whether you’re cheering for favourites or hoping for an outsider to steal the spotlight, one thing is certain: this year’s contest will be one for the ages.

Mark your calendars for April 12 at 3:35 PM – it’s not one to miss!