diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/add_route_dialog.cc b/gtk2_ardour/add_route_dialog.cc
index cad615c3fa..5871712800 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/add_route_dialog.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/add_route_dialog.cc
@@ -459,6 +459,8 @@ AddRouteDialog::track_template ()
 void
 AddRouteDialog::on_show ()
 {
+	routes_spinner.grab_focus ();
+
 	refill_channel_setups ();
 	refill_route_groups ();