Scottish National hero Kap Vert rounds off memorable campaign for Hobbs and White

The future looks bright for the training partnership of Johnson White and Philip Hobbs after the six-year-old Kap Vert capped a fine season for the training duo by winning the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.

Dreams of Aintree next year are naturally abound for Kap Vert – and with Morebattle winner Captain Hugo finishing second in the Scottish Champion Hurdle confirming his promise and Sober Glory an unlucky second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Sandhill team are already looking forward to next season.

Kap Vert was having just his fifth run over fences, but could be called the winner a long way from home.

“The whole race went slickly and to plan and he has a great way of crossing his fences, so turning in all that was left to answer was stamina. He ticked that box very well indeed and we couldn’t have been more delighted for everybody,” said White.

“I think it helped that the Irish National, Aintree and the Scottish National were hot on the heels of each other, but it still takes a big effort to pick up any National.

“We’ll see what the handicapper does with him now with regards next year. Hopefully as a six-year-old there’s still plenty to come from home, he’s exciting.

“I Am Maximus sort of blows the theory of needing an unexposed horse for the National out of the water doesn’t he? He’s a serious Aintree specialist and a very good horse. We’re a long way off talking about Aintree yet but it’s on the periphery.”

Reflecting on a successful season, White went on: “I think the key to the season has been having a very nice bunch of horses, keeping them healthy and having a great team at home.

“I couldn’t be more chuffed for Sandhill with the way things have gone this season.

“Captain Hugo and Sober Glory will almost certainly go over fences in the autumn, they are both very nice horses and combined with the likes of Imperial Saint and Kikijo who have had good seasons, we’ve a lot to look forward to next season.”