Scottish National sponsors Coral satisfied with 'really good turnover'

Scottish Grand National sponsors Coral reported "very healthy" turnover for the Ayr showpiece despite the race being moved to a Sunday.

The marathon Grade 3 handicap has been the sport's fourth biggest betting event of the year behind the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Epsom Derby, and although the reopening of betting shops in England and Wales provided welcome respite to the industry this week, bookmakers remained closed in Scotland for its biggest race of the year.

The combination of that and the race being switched from its usual Saturday slot to avoid clashing with the funeral of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, meant the Scottish National could not match turnover levels from previous years, but Coral were nonetheless satisfied with the outcome.

Ladbrokes Coral PR director Simon Clare said: “We’ve had really good turnover. We were not expecting to take the same levels as we would on a Saturday afternoon, but it was still good, even though Mighty Thunder was one of the worst results in the book for us.

Mighty Thunder (left): winner of the 2021 Scottish Grand National for jockey Tom Scudamore and trainer Lucinda RussellCredit: Pool

"It’s normally the fourth highest because of the retail value of having a Grand National in Scotland – and we see a huge surge of betting in Scotland for it – but unfortunately the shops there aren’t open yet.

"We’ve still seen very heavy digital turnover, like we did for the Grand National and Cheltenham, but it’s a unique year and a bit early for a full assessment.

"As a sponsor, we’re thrilled to have a Scottish one-two, although it’s going to cost us in the short term, and it’s been a costly day with some fancied horses winning. Long term it’s a great result for the race."

Clare also reported positive feedback after betting shops opened last Monday for the first time in more than three months.

"Operationally, it’s gone very well," he said. "Our colleagues have been brilliant and it’s great to welcome some regulars back. We’re not going to get back to normal business straight away, but it’s good just to have them open and see light at the end of the tunnel."

Read more on the Scottish Grand National:

Scottish Grand National stays on home soil as Mighty Thunder strikes

2021 Scottish Grand National result: where your horse finished and who won

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