The Scottish Grand National is one of those races that needs no build-up. A big field, a long trip, and a proper test of stamina around Ayr. It is the kind of race where things can change quickly, and getting a clear view of each runner can make all the difference.
This pinstickers guide to the 2026 renewal is here to keep things simple. No jargon, no overthinking, just a straightforward look at the main contenders, what they have done, and how they shape up for this four-mile test.
Some arrive in top form, some are proven stayers, and a few are trying something new at this trip. As always with a race like this, there are plenty with a chance if things fall their way.
Here is everything you need to know before the tapes go up at Ayr.
🐎 Kim Roque (4/1) | Joseph Patrick O'Brien / J J Slevin
Ran well at Cheltenham, but has never run beyond three miles two furlongs, four miles on soft is a big ask.
🐎 King Of Answers (6/1) | Lucinda Russell / Derek Fox
Consistent form, and tipped up by many in the know.
🐎 Montregard (7/1) | Tom Lacey / Stan Sheppard
Won last time out, carries a workable 11st 1lb, and looks the type to relish this test if the stamina holds up.
🐎 Chasingouttheblues (11/2) | Mark Walford / Jamie Hamilton
Two wins on the bounce, arguably the most in-form horse in the race. Looks ready for the test.
🐎 Quebecois (11/1) | Paul Nicholls / Harry Cobden
Harry Cobden is back to take this one, which says something, but 11st 13lb is a lot to carry.
🐎 Isaac Des Obeaux (9/1) | Paul Nicholls / Sam Twiston-Davies
Won the Midlands Grand National last month over four miles on soft, this is a similar test, could go well.
🐎 Promontory (15/2) | Sarah Joanna Connell / Donagh Meyler
Recent winner, lightweight at 10st 10lb, easy to overlook, and that might be a mistake.
🐎 Git Maker (10/1) | Jamie Snowden / Jonathan Burke
Fancied by a few racing tipsters, ran third in this race in 2024, and finished third in the Midlands National last time out. Worth a second look.
🐎 Kap Vert (20/1) | Philip Hobbs & Johnson White / Sean Houlihan
Six-year-old, two wins from last four starts, progressive and unexposed at this trip.
🐎 Blaze The Way (28/1) | Ms Margaret Mullins / Danny Mullins
Won in good style at Cheltenham in December and wears headgear for the first time. Being asked to carry top weight is the only concern.
🐎 Herakles Westwood (20/1) | Warren Greatrex / James Bowen
Won at Cheltenham in January but had wind surgery before the Festival and made little impression in the Kim Muir, finishing 13th.
🐎 Katate Dori (20/1) | Sam Thomas / Dylan Johnston
A second place at Cheltenham early in the year is the only bright spot of form.
🐎 Maximilian (18/1) | Donald McCain / William Maggs
A consistent placer all season who has been knocking on the door; at some point, the door opens. 3lb claim helps his chances. One for each-way punters to cheer on?
🐎 Our Power (28/1) | Sam Thomas / Danny Gilligan
Ran third in this race in 2024, but 93 days off is a concern. A risk, but not without merit.
🐎 Famous Bridge (33/1) | Nicky Richards / Sean Quinlan
Recent form makes it hard to find a reason to think this isn't a bridge too far.
🐎 Gabbys Cross (40/1) | Nick Scholfield / Sean Bowen
Placed last two starts, 20 days since last run, each-way claims if your bookmaker is paying to 5 places.
🐎 Collectors Item (33/1) | Jonjo & AJ O'Neill / Jonjo O'Neill Jr
Recent form has been poor, finding him in the first five home would feel like unearthing buried treasure.
🐎 Stolen Silver (80/1) | Georgina Nicholls / Miss Olive Nicholls
Olive Nicholls, daughter of legendary trainer Paul Nicholls, takes the ride for her mother's horse. The smart money is probably on one of her Dad's two runners.
Non-runners:
Road To Home
Ask Brewster
Magna Sam
BETFRED
GET £50 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU BET £10
If you’re having a bet, it might be worth noting that Betfred are paying each-way on the first five horses home (Each Way:1/5 Odds 5 Places) for today’s Scottish Grand National, which gives a bit of extra cover in a race where plenty will still be in with a shout turning for home.
However you play it, sit back and enjoy it. The Scottish Grand National rarely disappoints.
