'Unruly' horse banned from the Grand National to run in Scottish version

A horse who was barred from running in last weekend’s Grand National because of past ‘unruly’ behaviour will try to redeem his reputation in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.

Mr Incredible pulled himself up before the first fence in last year’s race, when he was ridden by this year's Grand National-winning jockey Patrick Mullins, seven days after contesting the Grand National for the second time, in which he unseated, when he was trained by .

Since joining Sandy Thomson he has refused to race at Wetherby and showed some reluctance to race when eventually pulled up in a handicap chase at Kelso in March after which he was referred to the BHA.

Thomson, who is based in Lamden, Berwicks, has employed an equine therapist to work with Mr Incredible, who at his best finished second in the Midlands National and Warwick's Classic Chase and third in the Kim Muir at the 2023 .

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To the trainer and new owner’s frustration, he was prevented from running at Aintree when a BHA panel of experts ruled he was unsuitable to take part, but Thomson confirmed on Wednesday “he will run” at Ayr.

Mr Incredible, who will carry top weight of 12st, has not completed a race in five starts since his run at Uttoxeter in March last year.

Before the Grand National every horse entered in the race has to undergo a review of its suitability to run but there is no requirement for the Scottish Grand National.

A BHA spokesperson said: “The Grand National is a unique race in the Jump racing calendar, run over obstacles at Aintree that are different to those encountered on other British racecourses.

"Because of this, every horse entered to take part in any race over the Grand National fences must undergo a review by the National Fence Review Panel, a highly experienced group including former jockeys, veterinarians, clerks of the course and stewards who carefully consider each horse’s suitability to take part.

"This includes a review of each horse's ability, fitness, recent form and overall readiness for its intended race.

"The Scottish Grand National at Ayr presents a different set of challenges compared to the Grand National at Aintree, particularly the start, which can be challenging for certain horses at Aintree due to the nature of a standing start in front of the grandstands, which is not the case at Ayr.”