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Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National
Ayr
The highlight of the jumps season north of the border is undoubtedly the Scottish National, an event which has grown in popularity and profile in recent years.
Held shortly after the Grand National, the 4m1f race often attracts many of the leading performers from Aintree, though only the great Red Rum has managed to win both races in the same year, back in 1974.
Always considered to be a fair test for a good horse, the flat Ayr course may not be as demanding as Aintree but the Scottish National always produces plenty of thrills and spills. Close finishes are a common occurrence despite the race’s extreme distance the 2005 Renewal saw the Keith Mercer ridden Joes Edge beat Cornish Rebel by a short head, whilst Ryalux won by a head in 2003 and Take Control scored by half a length the year before.
Ayr is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and has recently made significant improvements to its facilities and the overall standard of racing on its biggest day. Attendances have risen, producing a carnival atmosphere, and the sound of bagpipes during racing gives the day an unmistakably Scottish flavour.
The Grade 2 Scottish Champion Hurdle over two miles is the main supporting race. Like the Scottish National, the race has risen in stature and often features a fascinating clash between the established top-class hurdlers and some of the bright young novices.
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