Cracking Rhapsody wins Scottish champion hurdle!

Cracking Rhapsody continued his remarkable ascent through the hurdling ranks with a thrilling victory in the Grade 2 Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr on April 12, 2025.

Trained by Ewan Whillans and ridden by Craig Nichol, the six-year-old gelding overcame early trouble—being hampered by a faller at the second hurdle—to deliver a powerful finish. He challenged after the penultimate flight and, despite a narrow lead at the last, kept on well to secure victory by a neck over the 9/4 favourite, Kabral Du Mathan .

This win marks Cracking Rhapsody’s seventh career victory and his first at Ayr, adding to his impressive record that includes back-to-back wins in the prestigious £120,000 Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso in 2024 and 2025 .

Trainer Ewan Whillans, based in Hawick, expressed his delight: “We’re not a big yard, and he’s an absolute superstar for us. It’s great for John and Sheila Wright; they’ve been with us a long time and have been good owners for us.”

Jockey Craig Nichol, who has partnered Cracking Rhapsody in all his major victories, praised the horse’s tenacity: “He doesn’t mind a bit of trouble; he worked his way out of it. Going to the last, I thought I was going to give the other one a good battle, and luckily he’s come out on the right end of it.”

Cracking Rhapsody’s triumph at Ayr not only adds a prestigious title to his growing résumé but also cements his status as one of the most exciting hurdlers in training.