Festival guide · April

Scottish Grand National 2027: Date, Winners and Betting Guide

Two days at Ayr, a week after Aintree, finishing with a marathon four-mile chase. Here is the 2027 date, recent winners, the history and how to bet on the Scottish National.

The Scottish Grand National illustration

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2027 date
Saturday 17 April
Where
Ayr Racecourse
Distance
About 4m, 27 fences
Prize fund
£200,000 (2026)

The festival

Two days of racing, with the big race on Saturday.

Friday

Ladies Day

  • The opening day of the festival
  • In 2027: Friday 16 April
Saturday

Scottish Grand National Day

  • Scottish Grand National (Premier Handicap chase, about 4m)
  • Scottish Champion Hurdle
  • Sold out in 2026
Timing

A week after Aintree

  • Run one week after the Grand National
  • Some horses run in both

Recent Scottish Grand National winners

Willie Mullins won two of the last three runnings.

Year Scottish Grand National Jockey Trainer
2026 Kap Vert (20/1) Sean Houlihan Philip Hobbs & Johnson White
2025 Captain Cody (9/1) Harry Cobden Willie Mullins
2024 Macdermott (18/1) Danny Mullins Willie Mullins

The Scottish Grand National facts and history

Since 1858. The race was first run in 1858 as the West of Scotland Grand National, near Houston in Renfrewshire. The first winner was The Elk.
On the move. It moved to Bogside in 1867, took its current name in 1880, and moved to Ayr after Bogside closed in 1965.
Red Rum’s double. In 1974 Red Rum became the only horse to win the Aintree and Scottish Nationals in the same year.
Both Nationals. Little Polveir and Earth Summit also won both races, but in different years.

Betting on the Scottish National

Offers to look for

For big festivals, many bookmakers run race-day extras such as Best Odds Guaranteed (if the starting price is bigger than the price you took, you are paid at the bigger price) and extra each-way places on the big handicaps. Terms change for every race, so always read the terms in the app before you bet.

See our promotions guide for how each type of offer works.

Going to the races?

You can bet on course with the bookmakers in the ring and on the pool, or on your phone. Read our course guide for Wi-Fi, cash machines and how to get there, and our guide to betting at the racecourse.

Which app should you use for the Scottish National?

Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store, Google Play and Trustpilot ratings.

Compare the apps

the Scottish National FAQs

When is the 2027 Scottish Grand National?

The 2027 Scottish Grand National is on Saturday 17 April 2027 at Ayr, with Ladies Day on Friday 16 April.

Who won the 2026 Scottish Grand National?

Kap Vert won at 20/1, ridden by Sean Houlihan and trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White.

How long is the Scottish Grand National?

About 4 miles, with 27 fences.

How much is the Scottish Grand National worth?

The 2026 race was worth £200,000, with £112,540 to the winner.

Has any horse won both Grand Nationals in one year?

Only Red Rum, in 1974.

Sources: Ayr: 2027 Scottish Grand National · Wikipedia: Scottish Grand National · The Scotsman: 2026 race · Limerick Leader: Kap Vert. Facts checked October 2026; dates and race details can change, so check with the racecourse before you go.

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