If Joe Tizzard is going to land the biggest win of his training career so far, Rock My Way might just be the horse to do it.
The seven-year-old has quietly built a solid chasing profile this season, and his recent second place at Cheltenham showed there’s more to come.
With stamina to burn and a liking for a test, he now heads to Ayr for the Coral Scottish Grand National — a race that’s made heroes of both horses and trainers alike.
Tizzard, still early in his training career after taking over from his father Colin, has been knocking on the door with a few smart runners this year.
But Rock My Way offers something a bit different: a genuine staying type who’s beginning to fulfil the promise he showed as a novice hurdler.
Stepping up to four miles is a new challenge, but it’s one that could suit him down to the ground.
Rock My Way
With a solid season behind him and a talented jockey in Brendan Powell, Rock My Way has emerged as a serious contender for the prestigious four-mile handicap chase at Ayr.
Foaled on March 5, 2018, he is bred from Getaway (GER), a sire known for producing strong stayers, and Far Rock (IRE), a dam with Old Vic lineage that emphasises stamina and durability.
His chasing form includes a win and six places from just eight starts over fences, and this season has seen him perform admirably in competitive races.
He delivered a career-best performance when finishing second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month, his first attempt beyond three miles.
Wearing first-time blinkers, he stayed on strongly to finish just 4½ lengths behind Haiti Couleurs.
Earlier in the season, he won a novice handicap chase at Doncaster over three miles and placed second at both Doncaster and Cheltenham in challenging contests. These results highlight his ability to handle long distances and his potential to thrive under Scottish Grand National conditions.
Rock My Way’s handicap mark of 133 and weight of 10st 11lb align well with historical trends for winners of this race.
Most victors carry less than 11st and have proven stamina over extended distances—criteria he meets comfortably.
Joe Tizzard: A Trainer on the Rise
Joe Tizzard is no stranger to success in National Hunt racing. After retiring as a jockey in 2014 with over 700 winners to his name, including four Cheltenham Festival victories, he transitioned into training alongside his father, Colin Tizzard.
Now leading Spurles Stables independently, Joe has quickly established himself as one of Britain’s top trainers.
This season has been particularly fruitful for Tizzard, with multiple Grade Two wins and nearly £1 million in prize money earned.
He has built a reputation for developing young horses into competitive chasers, a testament to his skill and patience as a trainer.
While Joe has yet to win the Scottish Grand National as a trainer, Rock My Way offers him an excellent chance to secure his first victory in this historic race.
Tizzard’s meticulous preparation and ability to get the best out of his horses will be crucial on Saturday.
His comments about Rock My Way suggest confidence: “He’s progressing well and looks suited to extreme distances. The blinkers have sharpened him up nicely”.
Jockey Brendan Powell
Rock My Way will be ridden by Brendan Powell, whose experience and skill make him an ideal partner for this demanding challenge.
Powell has enjoyed an impressive career as both a jockey and trainer, with highlights including winning the Grand National aboard Rhyme ‘N’ Reason.
As stable jockey for Joe Tizzard, Powell has formed a strong partnership with the yard’s horses.
This season, Powell’s strike rate stands at 20% over the last two weeks, and his ability to navigate large-field handicap chases will be invaluable at Ayr.
Yeah or Nah?
Rock My Way ticks plenty of boxes heading into the Scottish Grand National.
He’s already proven he can stay a trip, running a cracker over 3m6f at Cheltenham, and he lines up at Ayr carrying just 10st 11lb — a sweet spot based on past winners.
Joe Tizzard knows how to get one ready for a big race, and with Brendan Powell in the saddle, there’s no shortage of experience on board either.
That said, there are a few question marks. He’s never gone a full four miles before, and that final half-furlong can really test a horse.
He’ll also be up against a strong Mullins team, including some lively contenders like Chosen Witness.
And while the expected good-to-soft ground shouldn’t be a problem, any surprise downpours could shake things up.
A Serious Contender
Rock My Way enters the Scottish Grand National as one of Britain’s leading hopes against formidable Irish challengers.
His consistent form this season, coupled with Joe Tizzard’s training expertise and Brendan Powell’s riding skill, makes him a legitimate contender for victory.
While there are challenges ahead—such as stepping up in trip and facing elite rivals—his profile fits many of the trends associated with past winners of this race.
Should Rock My Way deliver on Saturday, it would mark a significant milestone for Joe Tizzard as he continues carving out his legacy as one of Britain’s top trainers.
For racing fans looking beyond the favourites, Rock My Way offers an exciting prospect capable of claiming glory in Scotland’s most prestigious chase.
BETFRED
