Horse Racing

Scottish Grand National

April 2011

The Scottish Grand National Festival consists of two days of racing madness at Ayr Racecourse, structured around one of Scotland's wildest and most enthralling National Hunt fixtures, the Scottish Grand National. While this outstanding National Hunt Chase, modelled on the infamous Aintree Grand National, is undoubtedly the feature race of the Festival, there are many more attractions to these two race days than this particular race.
About the Scottish Grand National Festival »

The Scottish Grand National

While not as taxing as the Aintree Grand National, only a very few horses have ever managed to take both races. The Scottish Grand National is a National Hunt chase over 4 miles 110 yards with 27 fences to jump. The race is restricted to horses aged 5 years and older, and it is handicapped. Established in 1867 at Bogside Racecourse, the Scottish Grand National has been held at Ayr since 1966. The most successful horses since the move to Ayr were Barona and Androma, with two wins each.
About the Scottish Grand National »

Scottish Champion Hurdle

This race is run over 2 miles and 9 hurdles, limited to 4-year-olds and up. Run since only 1980, two of the winners of the Scottish Champion Hurdle have gone on to win the Champion Hurdle, the most prestigious hurdle race in National Hunt racing.
About the Scottish Champion Hurdle »

Future Champion Novices' Chase

This race is run over 2 miles 4 furlongs with 17 fences, open to 5-year-olds and up. It was first run in 1988, and it is designed for novices - horses that have not won a chase before the current season.
About the Future Champion Novices' Chase »

Ayr Racecourse

Ayr Racecourse is a major Scottish racecourse for flat races and National Hunt events. It has a left-handed oval track 13 furlongs in circumference, with courses for both flat races and steeplechases. Each year it stages 27 race days, including the Gold Cup Festival and the Scottish Grand National Festival.
About Ayr Racecourse »