Scottish Grand National Runners 2026: 49 entered for Ayr's feature race

49 horses have been entered for the 2026 Scottish Grand National at Ayr. The race takes place exactly one week after the Aintree equivalent on Saturday 18 April.

The main story revolves around the participation, or lack of, from Willie Mullins’ yard. The Scottish Grand National was a key battleground for the trainers’ championship a year ago, but with Dan Skelton so far clear in that race for 2025/26, Mullins has only entered Kim Muir runner-up Road To Home. He would nevertheless have a chance of replicating stablemates Macdermott and Captain Cody’s successes.

Irish challenge remains strong despite Mullins absentees

Where Mullins has not been so forthcoming, Joseph O’Brien has been. His yard are responsible for four potential runners, including ante-post favourite Kim Roque. The six-year-old was fourth in Kim Muir, staying on at the finish and has untapped potential as one of the youngest members of the line-up.

O’Brien’s entries also include likely Aintree participants Jordans and Banbridge, while Brave Fortune could well take in this contest. He is similar to Kim Roque in being unexposed after just four chase runs.

Both Emmet and Margaret Mullins are represented for the family. Emmet trains three of the entries in Backmersackme, Chance Another One and J’Arrive De L’Est. Margaret’s stable star Blaze The Way is also among the potentials.

Gordon Elliott, meanwhile, may have been expected to keep all of his big guns at home for the Irish trainers’ title push. However, he has entered two in Duffle Coat and Search For Glory.

Kim Muir and Ultima form to be tested

The Kim Muir has already come up twice, and its winner may also run here. Ask Brewster produced a minor upset in that contest and has Ayr as a possible destination off a 7lb higher mark.

The Ultima Handicap Chase may also receive a boost here should a winner emerge at Ayr. Johnnywho has been entered, although Aintree is his preference, but both Quebecois, third in the race, and Hyland, sixth, could run for Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson respectively. Henderson has never won the contest.

2026 Scottish Grand National Runners