The Grand National is one of the most famous horse races in the world and, for many, a highlight of the sporting calendar. But did you know that there is a Scottish version of the race? The Scottish Grand National is a steeplechase race run over a longer distance than the Grand National and usually takes place in April. But is it normally after the Grand National?
What is the Grand National?
The Grand National is a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. The race is run over a distance of four miles and five furlongs and is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious steeplechases in the world. The race has been run every year since 1839 and attracts huge crowds and millions of viewers.
What is the Scottish Grand National?
The Scottish Grand National is a National Hunt steeplechase race run over a distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs and is held annually at Ayr Racecourse in Scotland. The race was first run in 1858 and is the most prestigious steeplechase in Scotland.
Is the Scottish Grand National Normally After the Grand National?
No, the Scottish Grand National is not normally after the Grand National. The two races are usually run on different dates, with the Grand National taking place in early April and the Scottish Grand National taking place a few weeks later in late April or early May.
Why Are the Races Run on Different Dates?
There are several reasons why the races are run on different dates. The most obvious is that they are held at different courses in different countries. The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse in England, while the Scottish Grand National is held at Ayr Racecourse in Scotland.
Another reason is that the two races are run over different distances. The Grand National is run over a distance of four miles and five furlongs, while the Scottish Grand National is run over a distance of four miles and two and a half furlongs. This means that horses that run in the Scottish Grand National may not be suitable for the Grand National, and vice versa.
Finally, the two races are run on different dates for the sake of the horses’ welfare. Horses that compete in the Grand National have to be allowed sufficient rest before competing in the Scottish Grand National, and vice versa. This means that the two races are run on different dates in order to give the horses the best possible chance of success.
Are There Any Other Distinctions Between the Two Races?
Yes, there are a few other distinctions between the two races. Firstly, the Scottish Grand National is traditionally run on the Saturday before the May Bank Holiday, while the Grand National is normally run on the first Saturday in April.
Secondly, the Scottish Grand National is run over a longer course than the Grand National, which makes it a much more demanding race for the horses.
Finally, the Scottish Grand National has fewer fences and is generally considered to be a less punishing race than the Grand National.
What Are the Prizes for the Two Races?
The prize money for the two races is also different. The winner of the Grand National receives a prize of £500,000, whereas the winner of the Scottish Grand National receives a prize of £250,000.
Are There Any Other Notable Races in Scotland?
Yes, there are a number of other notable races in Scotland. These include the Scottish Champion Hurdle, the Scottish Grand National Chase and the Scottish National Hunt Handicap Chase.
What Other Notable Races are Run in England?
In addition to the Grand National, there are a number of other notable races in England. These include the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the King George VI Chase and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Conclusion
The Grand National and the Scottish Grand National are two of the most famous horse races in the world and attract huge crowds and millions of viewers. The two races are usually run on different dates, with the Grand National taking place in early April and the Scottish Grand National taking place a few weeks later in late April or early May.
The two races are run over different distances and have different prize money, with the Grand National offering a prize of £500,000 and the Scottish Grand National offering a prize of £250,000. There are also a number of other notable races in both Scotland and England, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the King George VI Chase and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.