The anticipation is building as Ayr prepares to host the Scottish Grand National, one of the highlights of the spring racing calendar. Among the contenders generating excitement is Whistle Stop Tour, a progressive staying chaser from the yard of Lucinda Russell. With a strong campaign already under his belt, he has sparked big dreams for his connections, who are determined to savor the journey with their talented seven-year-old.

Progressive young chaser Whistle Stop Tour follows up his success at Kelso with another win back here at Ayr@lucindavrussell | @DerekFoxJockey pic.twitter.com/r2vqVbTq9b

— Ayr Racecourse (@ayrracecourse) January 2, 2025

Owned by Kenny Alexander, along with friends Paddy Bryceland and Sean Tracey, Whistle Stop Tour has emerged as a horse with significant potential. Following a string of impressive performances, including a dominant win at Kelso and another convincing victory at Ayr earlier this year, he now boasts a career record of four wins from nine starts. His current rating of 137 reflects his steady progression, and his connections are keen to test him in more challenging contests as the season unfolds.

Peter Molony, racing manager to Kenny Alexander, highlighted the aspirations surrounding Whistle Stop Tour:

“He’s a nice, fun horse for Kenny and a couple of his mates, and they will have a good bit of fun with him as he goes up through the grades. Judging by the three lads involved, they are all Scots, so I think the Scottish Grand National will be the dream.”

The horse’s trainer, Lucinda Russell, along with her partner and assistant, Peter Scudamore, will now deliberate on the most suitable path for Whistle Stop Tour leading up to Ayr’s marquee event. Molony added:

“We’ll have to have a chat with Lucinda and Scu and see where we head next, but the boys like their big days out and he’ll be aiming for some of the better days I would imagine.”

The Scottish Grand National would represent a fitting climax to Whistle Stop Tour’s season. The marathon contest, renowned for its rich history and competitive nature, could provide a perfect stage for this promising stayer to showcase his abilities.

With a team brimming with optimism and a horse on an upward trajectory, Whistle Stop Tour looks set to be a leading contender come April 12th. For his connections, the journey to Ayr promises to be as thrilling as the race itself.

Coral Scottish Grand National 2024
 £200,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m 7f 176y, Class 1
26 ran
Going: Soft, Good to Soft in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Macdermott 6 10-7 W P Mullins Danny Mullins 18/1
2 nse Surrey Quest 7 10-3 Toby Lawes Kevin Brogan 20/1
3 4½ Git Maker 8 10-3 Jamie Snowden Gavin Sheehan 8/1
4 1¾ Klarc Kent 8 10-2 W P Mullins Sean O'Keeffe 50/1
5 1 Ontheropes 10 10-11 W P Mullins Brian Hayes 66/1
6 1 Spanish Harlem 6 10-10 W P Mullins Paul Townend 12/1
7 1½ Ballygrifincottage 9 10-8 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 16/1
8 5 Iron Bridge 8 10-9 Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr 20/1
9 1¼ Whistleinthedark 9 10-8 L J Morgan Danny McMenamin 40/1
10 10 Autonomous Cloud 8 10-4 Fergal O'Brien Jonathan Burke 22/1
11 9 My Silver Lining 8 10-3 Emma Lavelle James Best 14/1
FELL I nis Oirr 7 10-3 Lucinda Russell Derek Fox 10/1
PU Elvis Mail 10 11-3 N W Alexander Bruce Lynn 28/1
PU Secret Reprieve 10 10-2 Evan Williams James Turner 66/1
PU Punitive 10 10-2 Peter Bowen William Maggs 125/1
PU Broken Halo 9 10-5 Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost 40/1
PU Tommie Beau 9 10-6 Seamus Mullins Micheal Nolan 33/1
PU Anglers Crag 9 10-4 Brian Ellison Henry Brooke 14/1
PU Beauport 8 11-1 Nigel Twiston-Davies Jordan Nailor 28/1
PU Whacker Clan 8 10-2 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 18/1
PU Mr Incredible 8 11-9 W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins 7/1
PU Gold Cup Bailly 8 10-10 S R B Crawford J J Slevin 66/1
PU Stay Away Fay 7 12-0 Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden 18/1
PU Mr Vango 8 10-5 Mrs Sara V Bradstock Jack Tudor 4/1F
PU Egbert 7 10-2 Alan King Brendan Powell 50/1
UR We'llhavewan 9 10-2 W P Mullins Kieran Callaghan 25/1