The Scottish Grand National is Saturday April 18th at Ayr, starting at 3:35pm on ITV. Whether you are betting for the first time or looking to structure your Scottish National bet more efficiently, here is everything you need to know before Saturday.
Each-Way Terms
The Scottish Grand National pays each-way places to approximately five or six horses depending on the bookmaker — check your specific bookmaker's terms before placing, as they vary between operators. With 25 confirmed runners, the standard each-way terms are five places at 1/5 odds. Some bookmakers offer six places as a promotion for the race. Each-way means your stake is split — half on the horse to win, half on it to finish in the paid places. A horse finishing fifth at 12/1 each-way with five places paid returns meaningful money on a modest stake.
Best Odds Guaranteed
Use a Best Odds Guaranteed bookmaker for the Scottish National. BOG means that if your horse's price drifts between when you place your bet and the starting price, you are paid the bigger price. If you back a horse at 10/1 on Friday and it drifts to 14/1 by race time, BOG pays you 14/1. This is free insurance — there is no reason not to use it. Most major bookmakers offer BOG on ITV races and the Scottish Grand National qualifies.
When to Place Your Bet
The optimal time to place your Scottish National bet is Thursday evening or Friday morning — after the final declarations and jockey bookings are confirmed but before the full weight of Saturday morning casual money arrives and shortens the prices on fancied horses. The market opens wide after declarations and tightens significantly through Saturday morning. The best prices are available in that 36-48 hour window.
If you are already confident in a selection, placing the bet on Tuesday or Wednesday ante-post locks in the current price. Most major bookmakers now offer Non-Runner No Bet on the Scottish National — meaning if your horse does not run, your stake is refunded. Always check NRNB availability before placing an ante-post bet.
How to Watch
The Scottish Grand National is broadcast free on ITV1 and free to stream on ITVX. Racing TV also carries the full Ayr Festival card on Friday and Saturday. No subscription is required for ITV coverage — the race starts at 3:35pm on Saturday April 18th.
Horse Racing Oracle AI's Selection
Horse Racing Oracle AI publishes its Scottish Grand National selection on Thursday once the final declarations and jockey bookings are confirmed. Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com to get the selection delivered directly to your inbox before the weekend market moves.
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