Scottish Grand National 2015: TV Schedule, Pinstickers, Odds, Contenders, More

The Scottish Grand National may be in the shadow of the Aintree version, but it stands up to scrutiny and will see a host of top-class horses and jockeys descending on Ayr Racecourse for the event.

While the Aintree Grand National—ran last weekend—does command a little more gravitas than the spectacle north of the border, the four-mile event represents a challenging task for those involved and provides an entertaining spectacle for punters.

Here’s a look at the prize on offer for the winners, courtesy of Gordon Brown of Scottish Racing:

Here’s a rundown of the horses set to take on the 27 fences, who the bookmakers are fancying and a closer examination of some of the contenders for glory in this prestigious steeplechase.

Horse	Odds
Gallant Oscar	10/1
Broadway Buffalo	12/1
Catching On	12/1
Sego Success	12/1
Sam Winner	12/1
Trustan Times	12/1
Al Co	14/1
Lie Forrit	14/1
Indian Castle	14/1
The Last Samuri	16/1
Milborough	16/1

Odds accurate as of 7 a.m.. (BST), April 19. Click here for full listings.

For a pinstickers' guide courtesy of the Racing Post click here.

Date: Saturday, April 18

Time: 3:45 p.m. (BST)

TV Info: Channel 4 (UK)

Al Co Chasing Back-to-Back Wins

Jon Super/Associated Press

Anyone who had money on Al Co in the Aintree spectacle last weekend would be surprised to hear the horse has a genuine chance of taking victory at Ayr just seven days on. Despite falling at the first fence in the Grand National, the 2014 Scottish National winner looks as though he’ll be back to defend his crown again this year.

Here’s a look at how the race was won 12 months ago:

As noted by Chris Wright of the Liverpool Echo, the 10-year-old’s trainer Peter Bowen has insisted that despite his fall, Al Co is in better shape than when he triumphed in this race just 12 months ago:

"

He’s good. He didn’t have a race at Aintree. He fell at the first and jumped seven or eight fences after that. I’ll have a word with the owner and see what he thinks. I’d be happy enough to run him.

If I put Sean (Bowen, son) on him, that will be 3lb off. It’s just that Sean might have to ride for Paul (Nicholls), perhaps.

"

Given his dominant display last year, Al Co is amongst the favourites to win once again this year and a second consecutive victory in this prestigious event would make him the first horse in 30 years to win it back-to-back; Androma was the last, triumphing in 1984 and 1985.

The favourite, though, is the JP McManus-owned Gallant Oscar, set to be jockeyed by Paul Carberry.

The nine-year-old has never won beyond three miles, but trainer Tony Martin says he is "very happy" with the horse, and Gallant Oscar is set to be well backed come race day, per the Racing Post's David Baxter.

Catching On—trained by Jonjoe O’Neill—is also among the favourites to triumph in what is an open field.

All eyes—and many punters' money—were set to be on AP McCoy. But the retiring legend's mount Benvolio was withdrawn from the race on Friday by trainer Paul Nicholls, per BBC Sport's Francis Keogh:

McCoy rode Shutthefrontdoor to fifth place in the Grand National last week, and was looking to triumph in his last appearance at Ayr.

But the champion jockey will not be given the chance to add to his one race win in the Scottish National; his only previous triumph came on Belmont King back in 1997.

First reserve Vintage Star will now get the chance to compete amongst the varied field. 

The focus will thus move to the other runners and riders in the race, and it is certainly a difficult one to call, much like last week's Grand National.

All the leading horses have their drawbacks, and favourite Gallant Oscar will have to do very well to lead them home on Saturday.