Cathryn Fry is back with kwiff to discuss the Scottish National 2025 meeting, on the back of Willie Mullins’ memorable afternoon At Aintree last weekend.
Scottish National 2025: Cathryn Fry’s Expert Irish View
We all witnessed the incredible turnaround in the British trainers championship at Aintree last weekend. It now seems to be a foregone conclusion that Irish powerhouse Willie Mullins will successfully defend his National Hunt Trainers’ Championship title, that he won for the first time last year.
Scottish National 2025: Mighty Mullins
Nick Rockett delivered a stunning and unforgettable triumph in the Grand National, leading a remarkable 1-2-3 finish for a visibly moved Willie Mullins. The win denied last year’s champion, I Am Maximus, a historic repeat victory and cemented Mullins’ place in racing history. The victory was made even more special with Mullins’ son, Patrick, aboard the 33/1 outsider Nick Rockett. Mullins, long regarded as one of the sport’s greats, called the result the pinnacle of his illustrious career—possibly never to be topped.
I Am Maximus, the 7/1 favourite, made a strong late bid but had to settle for second, just ahead of another Mullins runner, Grangeclare West, also sent off at 33/1. Adding further dominance, Mullins also trained the fifth-placed Meetingofthewaters, while Iroko claimed fourth for British trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. Willie actually trained five of the first seven home!
Scottish National 2025: Jumping JP McManus
Top owner JP McManus had a memorable day too, with horses finishing second, fourth, and fifth. Yet, it was Mullins who made history—becoming the first trainer ever to saddle the top three finishers in the Grand National. Only two others had managed the top two before: Fred Withington in 1908 and Henry de Bromhead in 2021.
I’ve picked out three horses at Ayr on Saturday that could seal the deal for the Closutton magician. With Paul Townend injured, Willie is without his stable jockey this weekend. However, we know as well as a plethora of equine talent in his County Carlow base, he’s not short of human talent, either.
Scottish National 2025: Loughglynn (1:43)
Loughglynn has finished in behind a few of his illustrious stablemates this season. However, he stays well and jockey Sean O’Keefe had a Festival winner for his boss this March. Loughglynn originally had an entry in the Scottish National. I think the switching of races could prove significant.
Scottish National 2025: Ethical Diamond (2:15)
At entry stage, 2025 County winner Kargese and 2024 County winner Absurde were in this race. Willie has left just one in Ethical Diamond, fourth to Kargese at the Festival this year. Only a five year old, he has a engine and was beaten only three and a quarter lengths at Cheltenham. He’s also a dual purpose horse like Absurde, who’s in the same ownership. He’s top weight here. Paddy Mullins rides, he’ll be full of confidence after winning the Grand National. I don’t think theres a horse better than Ethical Diamond in this field.
Scottish National 2025: Spanish Harlem (3:35)
I’m sticking with a Mullins outsider here. Spanish Harlem was sixth to stablemate Macdermott last year. He was eye catching in the Grand National trial at Punchestown, finishing fourth. Also, when seventh to the Grand National winner Nick Rockett in the Thyestes at Gowran. He wants a trip and has a tongue tie and cheek pieces on for the first time here.
By Cathryn Fry
Please note that the information provided in this Grand National 2025 article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
