Scottish Grand National
AYR
2026 RACE INFO
WHEN IS THE NEXT SCOTTISH NATIONAL?
15:35 - 18th April 2026
THE CORAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL
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ODDS & RUNNERS 2026
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| No | Horse | Odds | Age | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Kim Roque | 4/1 | 7 | 10-13 | J J Slevin | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | 422454 |
| 20 | Chasingouttheblues | 5/1 | 7 | 10-9 | Jamie Hamilton | Mark Walford | 351211 |
| 3 | King Of Answers | 6/1 | 7 | 11-12 | Derek Fox | Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore | -51412 |
| 12 | Montregard | 7/1 | 7 | 11-1 | Stan Sheppard | Tom Lacey | -11P21 |
| 19 | Promontory | 15/2 | 9 | 10-10 | Donagh Meyler | Sarah Joanna Connell | -70521 |
| 4 | Isaac Des Obeaux | 9/1 | 8 | 11-8 | Sam Twiston-Davies | Paul Nicholls | 3-3121 |
| 17 | Git Maker | 10/1 | 10 | 10-12 | Jonathan Burke | Jamie Snowden | 0-3P53 |
| 2 | Quebecois | 11/1 | 7 | 11-13 | Harry Cobden | Paul Nicholls | -24223 |
| 13 | Maximilian | 18/1 | 10 | 11-1 | William Maggs | Donald McCain | -22233 |
| 18 | Kap Vert | 20/1 | 6 | 10-12 | Sean Houlihan | Philip Hobbs & Johnson White | 271341 |
| 9 | Katate Dori | 20/1 | 8 | 11-4 | Dylan Johnston | Sam Thomas | P-7628 |
| 7 | Herakles Westwood | 25/1 | 7 | 11-5 | James Bowen | Warren Greatrex | -52410 |
| 5 | Our Power | 25/1 | 11 | 11-6 | Danny Gilligan | Sam Thomas | 33-F64 |
| 11 | Famous Bridge | 25/1 | 8 | 11-1 | Sean Quinlan | Nicky Richards | P-7707 |
| 1 | Blaze The Way | 28/1 | 8 | 12-0 | Danny Mullins | Ms Margaret Mullins | 624157 |
| 16 | Collectors Item | 33/1 | 9 | 10-13 | Jonjo O'Neill Jr | Jonjo & A J O'Neill | 8-294P |
| 14 | Gabbys Cross | 40/1 | 11 | 11-0 | Sean Bowen | Nick Scholfield | 043P22 |
| 10 | Stolen Silver | 100/1 | 9 | 11-2 | Miss Olive Nicholls | Georgina Nicholls | 4-0P30 |
TIPS
- Quebecois
- Montregard
- Kim Roque
Entries for the 2026 Scottish Grand National have now been declared.
Kim Roque Sets The Market Alight
Kim Roque (9/2) for Irish handler Joseph O'Brien heads the betting and it is not hard to see why. The six-year-old carries a relatively light 10st 13lb and has been in consistent form, posting a string of placed efforts — 422454 — that suggest a horse finding his feet at this level rather than falling away from it. JJ Slevin, who barely needs an introduction at the top level, takes the ride.
The Scottish Standard-Bearers
Lucinda Russell, the Scottish trainer behind One For Arthur's 2017 Grand National triumph, saddles King Of Answers (6/1). The seven-year-old carries 11st 12lb but his recent form tells a compelling story, he was second on his most recent start and has won twice in his last five outings. Derek Fox, who knows Ayr as well as anyone, takes the ride and connections will be confident the soft ground plays to his strengths.
Nicholls With A Strong Hand
Paul Nicholls runs two and both hold realistic claims. Quebecois (7/1) is arguably the most interesting, a seven-year-old on a mark of 144 whose form figures of -24223 paint a picture of a horse who has been knocking on the door without quite getting through it. Harry Cobden takes the ride and this sort of marathon test on soft ground may be the key to unlocking him at last.
Isaac Des Obeaux (9/1) comes in off the back of two wins from his last three starts, the kind of form that makes him impossible to dismiss in any field. The eight-year-old carries 11st 8lb and Sam Twiston-Davies, a jockey who has won big handicap chases all over Britain, partners him. He arrives with plenty of momentum.
The Each-Way Case For Montregard
Montregard (9/1) for Tom Lacey is worth a second look. The seven-year-old won on his most recent completed start and put up a decent display before that. Stan Sheppard keeps the ride.
Others With Claims
Chasingouttheblues (11/1) for Mark Walford has won his last two outings and arrives as perhaps the most in-form horse in the race, operating off what looks a lenient mark of 126. At bigger odds, Collectors Item (40/1) for Jonjo O'Neill may be priced out of most calculations but could be the best of the long shots.
RACE OVERVIEW
The Scottish Grand National, held annually at Ayr Racecourse, holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts and stands as one of the United Kingdom's most iconic National Hunt events.
Traditionally scheduled towards the end of April, this race marks the last of all four seasonal Grand Nationals, with the Welsh, Irish, and Aintree versions all preceding it.
Ayr Racecourse began hosting races in the 16th century, making it one of the oldest and most historic racing venues in Scotland. It is known for its challenging course, which tests the skills of competing horses and jockeys.
The winner can claim a prize purse worth £112,000, which entices top-quality horses, trainers, and jockeys to vie for the coveted title. This financial incentive adds to the allure of the event, making it a highly competitive and sought-after race.
Over the years, the list of winners in the Scottish Grand National has grown to include legendary names in National Hunt racing, including Vicente, Godsmejudge, Merigo, and, more recently, in 2024, Macdermott for trainer Willie Mullins.
The race is not merely a sporting event; it's a cultural and social occasion that brings together racing enthusiasts, families, and friends to celebrate the holiday season in a unique and exhilarating way.
SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL NEWS
2026 Scottish Grand National Pinstickers Guide
Five Horses That Could Outrun Their Odds in the Scottish Grand National
STATS & TRENDS
Understanding the stats and trends of the Scottish Grand National can help you make informed choices. Here's what history tells us:
Age: Horses aged 8 to 10 have often done well.
Price: Favourites don't always win, but looking at the top 3 in the betting can be a good starting point.
Last Run: Horses that have won or raced recently (within 49 days) tend to perform better.
Course Experience: Knowing Ayr Racecourse helps. Look for horses that have run or won there before.
Distance Experience: Horses that have raced over long distances (28 furlongs or more) tend to do well, especially if they've won at that distance. Look at those who ran in the Eider Chase at Newcastle, which is often a stepping stone.
Chase Experience: More experienced chasers (at least 5 previous chase runs and 2 wins) often perform better.
Season Form: Horses with at least 2 runs that season and at least 1 win tend to be strong contenders.
Future Form: Keep an eye on horses that win or place in the Scottish Grand National. Quite a few of them have gone on to perform well in the Aintree Grand National.
These are practical insights that can help you when you're looking at the horses for the Scottish Grand National.
TICKETS & PRICES
As the excitement builds for the 2026 Scottish Grand National at Ayr Racecourse, securing your tickets becomes a crucial step in ensuring you don't miss out on the thrill and tradition of this prestigious National Hunt event.
Whether you're a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time visitor, understanding the ticket options and prices is essential for planning your day at the races.
In this guide, we provide you with a comprehensive overview of the ticket categories and prices for the Scottish Grand National, allowing you to make informed choices based on your preferences and budget.
From general admission options to premium packages and exclusive hospitality experiences, there's a ticket to suit every racegoer's needs.
Grandstand Enclosure - Advance
- Access to public bars, eateries, and betting outlets.
- Views of the racing action, including the parade ring and pre-parade ring.
PRICE: £35 EACH
Grandstand Premier - Advance
- Access to premium areas on the course.
- Best bars and best views of the racing.
- Access to any live entertainment.
PRICE: SOLD OUT
Legends Lounge
- Club Admission Badge
- Reserved Seat/ Table for the Day
- Arrival Drink
- Racecard
- Private Bar & Betting Facilities
- Tipster Talk
- Hot pie served during racing!
PRICE: SOLD OUT
Hospitality - Chancellor Package
- Hospitality Badge
- Racecard
- Bucks Fizz reception.
- 4 Course Lunch with Drinks Package*
- Prosecco
- Afternoon Tea
- Reserved Seating
- Private betting facilities.
- Guest Tipster
- Great access to all public areas to soak up the atmosphere.
PRICE: £240 + VAT EACH
Please note that there may be minimum and maximum booking requirements for certain ticket types, so it's advisable to check the Ayr Racecourse website or contact their ticketing office for the most up-to-date information and availability.
VISITOR TIPS
Tickets & Booking
- Early bird discounts are available
- Group tickets for 20+ must be booked in advance
- Tickets are sent via email, typically two weeks before the fixture.
- E-tickets can be scanned from mobile devices; printing is optional.
- Ticket refunds or transfers are only available for fixture abandonment or event cancellations.
- Enclosure transfers are possible on the day, space permitting and subject to upgrade fee.
Times
- Typically gates open two hours before the first race, and at 11am for the Scottish National.
- The racecourse and outlets close shortly after the last race, except on themed race nights with music.
Travel & Entry
- Smart casual attire is recommended, with formal dress codes (no jeans or trainers) for premier tickets and hospitality.
- For the National, Scotrail will be operating a shuttle bus service running in a loop from Prestwick railway station to Allison Street, just a short walk away from the Racecourse.
Food & Drink
- A variety of bars and food outlets operate.
- Personal alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.
- Outside food and drink are not allowed.
Betting & Payments
- Betting options include the tote and on-course bookmakers.
- Bookmakers accept cash and some debit cards. The nearest cash machine is at the Tesco next to the racecourse. But cashback is available from any tote booth on site.
Dogs
- Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed at the racecourse.
Photography
- Flash photography near horses is prohibited.
- Photography for personal use is allowed, but commercial photography requires prior permission
HISTORY
The Scottish Grand National was originally run near Houston in Renfrewshire as the "West of Scotland Grand National," and was first staged in 1858.
It was a challenging race with 32 jumps, primarily stone walls, and it stayed like that until 1867 when objections from local religious leaders prompted a move to Bogside Racecourse near Irvine.
It remained there until 1965 when Bogside closed. Because of that, the Scottish Grand National was moved to its current home at Ayr, marking a new chapter for the race.
Ayr Racecourse itself has been pivotal in elevating the status of the Scottish National. With its spectator-friendly environment, Ayr has proved to be a great host for what has become a highlight of the Scottish sporting calendar.
Notable winners of the Scottish Grand National include Red Rum, who uniquely won both the Ayr and Aintree Grand Nationals in 1974, showcasing the significance and difficulty of this Scottish race.
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