Scottish Grand National 2026: Race Timings, TV Coverage & Raceday Guide

The Scottish Grand National card at Ayr is typically a seven-race programme that runs from mid-afternoon into the early evening. Exact off-times shift a little year on year depending on the BHA schedule and TV requirements, so always confirm with the live card or the official racecard on the morning itself.

The Scottish Grand National (4m 110y, Grade 3 Handicap Chase)

The headline act. Twenty to twenty-five runners go to post for the longest handicap chase in the Scottish calendar — four miles and 110 yards over 27 fences. The race typically goes off in the late-afternoon slot that ITV Racing builds its coverage around. Stamina is everything: horses that have gone close in the Eider Chase at Newcastle or in Irish staying handicaps often feature prominently in the market.

The weights are framed by the BHA's handicapper, with the top-weight typically rated in the mid-150s and the bottom of the weights around 130. Upper-middle weights have the strongest overall record, though heavier-weighted favourites have won in recent years when the going has been softer than good.

The Scottish Champion Hurdle (2m, Grade 2)

The day's best race for two-mile hurdlers and a Grade 2 of real quality. Often a stepping-stone for horses aimed at a summer campaign in the top two-mile company. The race typically precedes the Scottish National on the card.

Supporting handicaps and novices

The card fills out with a mix of:

• A handicap hurdle over two and a half miles — usually competitive with 12-plus runners.
• A novice chase or a novices' handicap chase — a chance to catch a progressive type stepping into graded company.
• A long-distance handicap chase (around three miles) that often serves as a consolation for horses just below Scottish National grade.
• A mares' race or a bumper to round out the afternoon, depending on the declarations.

Approximate schedule

As a rough planner, the card historically runs roughly to the following shape (always confirm on the day):

• First race: approximately 1:50pm
• Scottish Champion Hurdle: approximately 3:15pm
• Scottish Grand National: approximately 4:00pm
• Last race: approximately 5:30pm

For the confirmed off-times as soon as they are published, see the live Ayr card. That page also shows the field size, distance, going, and prize money for every race, updated every few minutes during racing hours.

Scottish Grand National day enjoys full free-to-air coverage in the UK and Ireland, along with the usual racing broadcasters.

ITV Racing

The Scottish Grand National is part of ITV Racing's free-to-air Saturday slate. Coverage typically opens on ITV1 (and the ITVX streaming app) in the early afternoon, running through to after the headline race. Expect the familiar ITV team to be on course at Ayr, with paddock previews, race-by-race analysis, and replays.

ITVX is free to use in the UK — you only need an account. For travellers, availability depends on your region; a UK-issued account will let you watch from anywhere inside the UK.

Racing TV

Every race on the Ayr card is broadcast live on Racing TV for subscribers. Racing TV provides the most granular coverage — full paddock previews, individual trainer interviews, and uncut replays — and is the go-to for form students. The channel is included in most pub and club subscriptions, and Racing TV also offers a streaming-only option through its app.

Sky Sports Racing

Sky Sports Racing does not hold the primary UK rights to Ayr, but the channel typically runs a magazine programme during the afternoon that previews the big race and covers simulcast fixtures. It's a good second-screen option rather than a primary broadcast.

Radio

BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Scotland both typically carry the Scottish Grand National commentary. Check the daily schedule on raceday — coverage normally runs for the ten minutes either side of the headline race.

Online odds and live cards

For the live field, going, off-times, and runners, our tomorrow racecard is pulled from The Racing API and refreshed every few minutes. The racing today page does the same for the Friday of the meeting.

If you're heading to Ayr for Scottish Grand National day, it's worth arriving with a plan. The course is compact and well-signposted, but crowds of 15,000+ put a premium on getting in early.

Gates, first race, last race

Gates open: approximately 11:30am for most enclosures. Premier and hospitality guests can usually arrive a little earlier; check your ticket for the specific time printed on it.

First race: approximately 1:50pm.

Scottish Grand National: approximately 4:00pm.

Last race: approximately 5:30pm, though the meeting can run slightly later depending on field sizes.

Arriving by 12:30pm at the latest gives you comfortable time to collect tickets, find your stand, study the card, and place a first bet without queuing through the opener.

Parking

On-site parking is available at the racecourse, with the main car park a short walk from the entrance. Spaces are first-come, first-served; on the big day it's sensible to arrive before midday to guarantee a spot. Premier ticket-holders generally have access to a closer parking area.

The postcode for the course is KA8 0JE. Satellite navigation systems reliably find the main entrance from this postcode.

Rail travel

Ayr station is on the main West Coast line from Glasgow Central and is a 10-12 minute walk to the course — a straightforward route and well-signed on raceday. Direct trains run from Glasgow Central roughly every 30 minutes; the journey takes around 50 minutes. ScotRail typically puts on additional services on Scottish Grand National day, but the return services after the last race fill up fast — allow time to walk back.

From further afield, Glasgow and Edinburgh both connect into Ayr with at most one change, and Prestwick (with its own rail station on the Ayr line) offers an alternative with a little more hotel availability.

On-course practicalities

All the usual on-course amenities are available: bookmaker rails, tote windows, food and drink, and a range of enclosures. Ayr is typically a pleasant course in good weather but exposed in wind and rain, so dress for the Scottish April — waterproofs and layers are sensible even if the morning looks clear. For a more in-depth guide to the course, see our Ayr day out guide and Ayr complete guide.