When is the Scottish Grand National 2021? Runners, riders, tips, odds, start time - and how to watch on TV

The Scottish Grand National has been delayed as a show of respect for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on Saturday 17 April

And they’re off! The Scottish Grand National is upon us.

Scotland’s biggest jumps meet will see up to 30 entries take on the four-mile Class 1 Grade 3 chase, which features 27 energy-sapping fences.

With a prize pot of £150,000 at stake, the Scottish Grand National is the joint-second richest handicap chase in Great Britain behind the Grand National.

Ayr Racecourse has been home to the Scottish Grand National since 1966 and will once again be the setting for the big race in 2021, as it returns to the racing calendar. (Pic: Getty)

Last year’s festival was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic - but has returned for 2021.

Here’s all you need to know…

When is the Scottish Grand National?

In 2021, the Scottish Grand National takes place on Sunday 18 April.

The big race is the showpiece of the Coral Grand National Festival, which has been split over two days this year as a sign of respect for the late Prince Philip.

The festival will take place on Friday 16 April and Sunday 18 April, with no races scheduled for the day of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on Saturday 17 April.

What time is the Scottish Grand National?

The 2021 Scottish Grand National starts at 3.35pm. A full list of runners and riders will be released prior to the event.

It is the fifth of eight races taking place on Sunday 18 April. Here is the schedule for Friday and Sunday races at the festival.

FRIDAY RACECARD 1pm - The Tennent’s Lager Novices’ Hurdle Race, 2m 1.30pm - The S.T. Andrew Plant Hire Novices’Handicap Hurdle Race, 3m 70y 2.05pm - The IDP Procurement Specialists Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase, 2m 110y 2.40pm - The Coral Backing Scottish Racing Mares Handicap Hurdle Race, 3m 70y 3.15pm - The Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Steeple Chase, 2m 4f 110y 3.50pm - The Ayrshire Cancer Support Handicap Hurdle Race, 2m 4.27pm - The Book Your Staycation @westernhousehotel Handicap Hurdle, 3m 70y SUNDAY RACECARD 1.15pm - The Scotty Brand Handicap Steeple Chase, Class 1 (Listed Race) 2m 110y, 5YO+ 1.50pm - The CPMS Novices’ Champion Handicap Steeple Chase, Class 2, 3m 20y, 5 YO+ 2.25pm - The Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle Race (A Limited Handicap)(Grade 2) Class 1, 4YO + 3.00pm - The Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 2) Class 1, 2m 4f 110y, 5YO+ 3.35pm - The Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase (Grade 3) Class 1, 3m 7f 110y, 5YO+ 4.10pm - The Play Coral ‘Racing Super Series’ For Free Handicap Hurdle Race, Class 2, 2m 5f 91y, 4YO+ 4.45pm - The Coral ‘Fail To Finish’ Free Bets Hands & Heels Finale Handicap Hurdle Race, Class 3, 2m 4f 110y, 4YO+ 5.20pm - The Ayrshire Cancer Support Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, Class 3, 2m, 4-6YO

Where is the Scottish Grand National?

Ayr Racecourse has been home to the Scottish Grand National since 1966 and will once again be the setting for the big race in 2021, as it returns to the racing calendar.

Highly-regarded as Scotland’s premier racecourse, Ayr has witnessed many memorable sporting moments including Red Rum’s winning chase in 1974.

It was that year the iconic horse made history by winning both the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National - a feat which is yet to be matched.

What TV channel is showing the Scottish Grand National?

Horse racing enthusiasts can watch the Scottish Grand National on ITV.

The terrestrial TV channel will show five races on Sunday 18 April, including the big one at 3.35pm. Alternatively, the entire festival will be screened live on Racing TV.

Who is favourite to win the 2021 Scottish Grand National?

Two-time winner at Ayr Racecourse, Aye Right, is favourite to win the 2021 Scottish Grand National in many online bookies’ antepost book.

PaddyPower is offering odds of 5/1 for Aye Right to win the Scottish Grand National, with Sam’s Adventure, Dingo Dollar and Soldier of Love available at 8/1.

Odds correct at the time of writing.

Punters are reminded to check antepost rules before placing a bet as if your selected horse does not run in the race, it could see the stake lost.