Scotland’s premier jumps race, the Scottish Grand National takes place on 19 April 2008 at Ayr racecourse. Some of the best long distance chasers will be heading north, including several horses that went over the Aintree Grand National fences. Miko De Beauchene, Albertas Run and Noir Et Vert join a classy field for what promises to be an exciting race. The anticipated £200k prize-money is approximately a £30k increase on 2007 with the winner receiving £114,020. Top jockeys and trainers from UK and Ireland will be attracted to the Scottish course, hopeful in coming away victorious in what will be the last major meeting of the jumps season before attentions turn back to the flat.
Last year’s race provided a captivating one-two result for trainer Ferdy Murphy with 14/1 shot Hot Weld beating favourite Nine de Sivola (5/1) by just half a length. 8/1 shot Parsons Legacy claimed third, with 2006 winner Run For Paddy (12/1) in fourth. Ferdy Murphy has been the most successful trainer of Scottish Grand National winners this millenium, with wins coming in 2005 with Joes Edge and in 2000 with Paris Pike. If last year’s race is anything to go by, we are in for a treat on April 19th!