A day at Scottish Grand National: Grado, party dresses, pints, Ayr at its best and intriguing backstory

While Kap Vert might not have been the most eye-catching contender in the parade ring ahead of the £200,000 Scottish Grand National, after four miles, 27 fences and a nail-biting finish later, the 20/1 shot was the star of the show, and the source of a fascinating backstory.

Overnight rainfall made this a proper test of stamina for those involved. It was a hard-fought success for a horse making only its fifth start over the larger obstacles. In more ways than one, the manner of this triumph held special significance for winning connections.

“There were only two six-year-olds in the race, our horse and Kim Roque, who ironically is owned by Ronnie Bartlett and who used to own this horse,” said Phil Gazhala, founder of the victorious ‘If The Kap Fits’ syndicate. “Ronnie is a great supporter of Scottish racing. We bought the horse off him last year and he’d won round Taunton a couple of times, but we came here thinking ‘what are we doing?’ We were worried about the ground and the distance, but he was given the coolest ride. It’s a dream come true.

“There are ten of us in the syndicate and most of them were here today. I’ve had four horses with Phillip Hobbs and Johnson White in the last three years and all of them have won races, so we might look at buying another one now!”

There was to be no historic Scottish National hat-trick bid for Irish raider Willie Mullins, following the success of Macdermott (2024) and Captain Cody (2025) in the past two renewals. His sole representative this year, Road To Home, was declared a non-runner on account of the rain-softened ground, with the field decimated from 21 runners to 16 as a result.

The record books didn’t need to be rewritten, though. There were still tales to tell as co-trainers Hobbs and White stole the limelight on their latest venture north of the border from their Somerset base, having done so just eight weeks ago when capturing Kelso’s prestigious Morebattle Hurdle.

By the time the feature race came around at 3.35pm, conditions had improved markedly. Sunshine had broken out through the clouds and the betting ring was a hive of activity.

This was the richest day of jumps racing in Scotland, with the showpiece event being the fourth-largest in terms of betting turnover. In addition to the feature contest, the Scottish Champion Hurdle also took centre stage, a £100k race that has grown in quality in recent years as the standard of entries and prize money have steadily increased. It went to 12/1 shot Dedicated Hero, who kept on doggedly under Danny McMenamin to win for Borders handler Sandy Thomson.

The scene outside the venue was electric 90 minutes ahead of the opening race. There was an array of colour on show as punters descended on the south-west coast. It was an afternoon to savour for all, not only for racecourse staff but for local businesses – everything from pubs to taxi firms. Ayr welcomed enthusiastic racegoers with open arms and the stage was set for new chapters to be written, new stars to emerge.

With the fusion of bagpipes and traditional Scottish music in the air thanks to the spectacular Kilbarchan Pipe Band, who marched their way down the track, they were ably assisted by the Red Devils Parachute team, who made an incredible entrance from the murky skies above. It made for an impressive spectacle and entertained the crowds who had began streaming through the gates long before noon. The concourse in front of the main grandstand was awash with shiny three-piece suits and polished shoes, glamorous party dresses and carefully balanced fascinators. The champagne had been popped and the pints were poured. Not even a couple of heavy showers could dampen spirits.

Grado roves the racecourse

Local favourite Grado - best known as a professional wrestler and for playing the role of PC Hugh McKirdy in spoof comedy series Scot Squad - was acting as the track’s roving reporter. “This is the best day of the year for Ayrshire,” he admitted. “It’s a great day out and everyone is having an absolute ball. It’s brilliant to see all walks of life here. I’ve not got a clue about the ponies, but I’ve been told to back Git Maker... Read into that what you will!” What a run for his money Grado would get...

Many would have travelled from further afield to make it to Ayrshire, but not everyone’s journey would be worth it. The nine-hour trek jockey Sean Houlihan embarked on certainly was. Victory on Kap Vert marked the biggest success of his riding career and a moment he had dreamt of for some time.

“It’s unbelievable,” Houlihan admitted. “The Scottish air must do me the world of good! It’s massive to ride another big one this season for the team, especially with a novice. We joked on the way up here that if he stayed, he’d improve a stone, and he’s improved from what he’s done so far.”

Come the end of the marathon contest, Kap Vert wasn’t for passing at the finish line. Given a patient ride, the six-year-old travelled strongly throughout and delivered his challenge turning into the home straight. As the well-backed Sir Alex Ferguson part-owned Isaac Des Obeaux faded after a gutsy front-running display, there were four horses still in with a chance jumping the second last. It was too close to call.

Following some indifferent jumping, Git Maker was well positioned after recovering from a shuddering mistake midway down the back straight on the third circuit, while short-priced favourite Kim Roque - owned by Airdrie businessman Bartlett - stayed on from a long way back. But neither could get past Kap Vert, who wasn’t asked for maximum effort until soaring over the last fence. There were only six finishers at the end of a gruelling race.

Gracious in defeat, Bartlett would return to the winner’s enclosure an hour later, but this time to celebrate a winner of his own after the concluding bumper went the way of exciting prospect Skerry Hill for Gordon Elliot. From agony to ecstasy. “That’s racing for you!” he smiled.