What is the Scottish Grand National?
The Scottish Grand National is the biggest jump race staged in Scotland and the
centrepiece of the spring jumps season north of the border. A long-distance
handicap chase run at Ayr each April, it asks horses to stay every yard of a
gruelling trip, and rewards the punter who can find one with the stamina and the
handicap mark to see it out.
The race and the course
Run over roughly four and a quarter miles, the Scottish Grand National is a true
test of endurance. Ayr is a galloping, left-handed track, and the race has a
history of going to tough, thorough stayers rather than flashy speed horses. As a
handicap, the weights are set by the official handicapper, so the form student has
plenty to work with, recent stamina, course suitability and a workable mark are
the classic pointers.
A race with history
The Scottish Grand National in its modern form has been run at Ayr since 1966,
after the closure of the old Bogside course. Over the decades it has built its own
roll of honour and its own place in the season, the natural target for staying
chasers once the Cheltenham and Aintree spring festivals are done.
Scottish Grand National betting
As a competitive staying handicap, the Scottish Grand National tends to produce
big fields and each-way value. Ante-post markets firm up through the spring. For
a full breakdown of the field, see our runners and tips coverage in the build-up
to the race.
The Scottish Grand National is the highlight of Scotland's jumps calendar and a popular spring betting heat. Every operator below is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Always check the bookmaker's site for current odds and terms.
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When is the 2027 Scottish Grand National?
The 2027 Scottish Grand National is due to be run at Ayr in April 2027. The exact date is confirmed by Ayr Racecourse with the fixture list, it is the feature race of Ayr's two-day Scottish Grand National meeting.
Where is the Scottish Grand National run?
The Scottish Grand National is run at Ayr Racecourse in South Ayrshire. It has been staged at Ayr since 1966, having previously been run at Bogside.
How far is the Scottish Grand National?
The race is run over approximately 4 miles 1 furlong, making it one of the longest and most demanding handicap chases in the British calendar.
Is the Scottish Grand National a handicap?
Yes. Like the Aintree Grand National, it is a handicap chase, every runner is allotted a weight by the official handicapper to even up the field.
How can I watch the Scottish Grand National?
The Scottish Grand National is broadcast on UK television as part of Ayr's meeting coverage, and major bookmakers stream the race to eligible account holders.