Scottish Grand National 2025 – Confirmed Runners, Odds & Expert Tips
Event Overview
The 144th Scottish Grand National is set to take place on Saturday, 12th April 2025 at the renowned Ayr Racecourse. The event is part of the two-day Coral Scottish Grand National Festival, featuring 15 races overall. The Scottish Grand National is a gruelling steeplechase run over nearly four miles with 27 challenging fences.
Key Details
Date & Time: Saturday 12th April 2025, 15:35 local time
Location: Ayr Racecourse, Scotland
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6,538 metres), a demanding left-handed galloping oval with three laps and 27 jumps.
Prize Money: £200,000 total purse with £112,540 for the winner
Broadcast: Live on Racing TV and select betting platforms such as LeoVegas Sport and William Hill
The 3 best bookmakers to bet with
Bonus: €150 , +25 free bet
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit €20 | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is €10,000 | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Free spins given within 5 days from bonus activation, Wagering req. : 6x bonus + deposit | Wagering, banking, T&C apply | Play Responsibly
Bonus: €100
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit €10 | Max number of winnings using bonus funds is €10,000 | Bonus validity 14 days from receipt | Wagering req. : 16x bonus | Wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly
Bonus: €1000
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit €10 | Wagering, banking, T&C apply. | Play Responsibly | www.gambleaware.org
Confirmed Runners
The 2025 field includes up to 30 runners, with 33 initially declared. Notable horses:
JohnnyWho (Japono and A J O’Neill) – ante-post favourite
Macdermott (Willie Mullins) – 2024 winner aiming for back-to-back victories
Chosen Witness (Willie Mullins)
Chosen Witness (Willie Mullins)
Whistle Stop Tour (Lucinda Russell)
Apple Away (Lucinda Russell)
Olympic Man (Willie Mullins)
Expert Betting Tips
Age Factor:
Trainer Stats:
Distance Winners:
Notable Jockeys & Trainers
- Top Jockeys: Sam Twiston-Davies (16.39% win rate) and others poised to make an impact.
- Top Trainers: Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins, both prolific in National Hunt races, bring highly competitive entries.
Bookmakers & Betting Sites
Top Irish bookmakers recommended for Scottish Grand National betting include:
- DirectionBet Sports: Comprehensive race data and promotions including deposit matches and reload bonuses.
- BoyleSports: Offer enhanced each-way places and free bets, popular with horse racing fans.
- Spreadex: Unique spread betting options alongside fixed odds offers with generous free bets.
- LeoVegas Sports: Strong horse racing specials and live streaming with competitive ante-post odds.
Refer to our bookmaker reviews for detailed info and to find the best offers.
Key Ayr Racecourse Facts
- The track has steady downhill runs with manageable turns, suiting leaders who can build momentum.
- The course length is below 1.5 miles per lap, with three laps per race.
- The going in spring is usually firm and sharp, favouring front runners.
Final Thoughts
The Scottish Grand National is one of the toughest and most exciting races of the year, with challenging fences and demanding distance testing horse and jockey stamina. While favourites like JohnnyWho stand out, value picks such as Apple Away and Whistle Stop Tour offer intriguing each-way opportunities. Combine expert analysis with bookmaker bonuses to maximize your betting edge.