Within minutes of Kap Vert winning the 2026 Scottish Grand National, connections were discussing the 2027 Aintree Grand National. Trainer Johnson White confirmed the race is on their radar. Jockey Sean Houlihan agreed, with the caveat that the horse would need to improve. On the day that Kap Vert won at Ayr, I Am Maximus was confirmed as returning to Aintree in 2027. The 2027 Grand National is already taking shape.
Kap Vert's Aintree Case
A Scottish National winner going to Aintree the following year has a mixed record historically. The trip increases to four miles two and a half furlongs — significantly further than Ayr's four miles. The fences change from conventional birch to Aintree's unique spruce obstacles including Becher's Brook and the Canal Turn. A horse that jumps brilliantly on Scottish National fences needs to prove it can also handle the Aintree fences — a distinct skill set.
Kap Vert's jumping accuracy on heavy ground at Ayr was exceptional for a horse on his fifth run over fences. That precocious jumping ability — confirmed by Houlihan's post-race description — is the characteristic that Aintree rewards most consistently. If his jumping translates to the Aintree obstacles, the 2027 Grand National is a realistic target.
His connections' own caveat is honest: "He'd probably have to improve." He won the Scottish National on heavy ground at 20/1 — connections believe better ground will suit him and potentially reveal a better horse. A Scottish National winner improving for better conditions and targeting Aintree is precisely the profile that multiple Grand National winners have followed over the decades.
I Am Maximus Returns
I Am Maximus confirmed for Aintree 2027. He will be eleven years old. If Kap Vert also targets the race, the 2027 Grand National has a compelling narrative before the entries open — the defending champion who has already broken one historical record, against a young Scottish National winner with one of the best jumping profiles of recent seasons.
Git Maker's Place Claim
Git Maker was second at Ayr — a remarkable result given he nearly parted company with Jonathan Burke almost a mile from home and lost significant ground. He rallied to finish one and a half lengths behind the winner. That resilience and stamina to recover from a near-fall and still finish second suggests a horse with significant reserves. His connections may target the 2027 Scottish or English National.
Kim Roque's Consolation
Kim Roque ran a competitive race into third — beaten just a nose for second — despite starting at 4/1 favourite. His each-way backers were paid out. Joseph O'Brien's yard will assess the next step, potentially looking at Punchestown or a summer target before next season's marathon programme.
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