---
title: "Joe Farrell wins Scottish Grand National"
canonical: "https://readhorseracing.com/2018/04/22/joe-farrell-wins-scottish-grand-national/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "News"
published: "2018-04-22T09:33:45Z"
modified: "2018-04-22T09:33:45Z"
---

# Joe Farrell wins Scottish Grand National

Joe Farrell was victorious in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr, holding off a late surge from Ballyoptic to win the prestigious race, [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/racing/news/12426/11341130/joe-farrell-edges-scottish-national-at-ayr) report.

The 33-1 shot, ridden by Adam Wedge, made a slight error at the last, but managed to hold on in what was a thrilling finale.

Talking to the media after the race, Wedge said:

> He stuck his head out like an absolute lion for me after the last. I could feel Tom Bellamy (on Ballyoptic) getting to me all the way, but he’s tried his heart out. The mistake at the last fence didn’t stop him.

It was also a first win in Scotland for Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis, who also part-owns Joe Farrell and spoke extremely high of the horse after the race.

![Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readhorseracing.com/readhorseracing/2018/04/463182558.jpg)

> We’ve had a difficult season. I thought it was a big ask. He’s still a novice for a big race like that, but I knew he’d stay all day.

Curtis, who had 49 winners back in the 2012-13 season, had only eight winners in the current campaign before Wedge made it nine with Joe Farrell on Saturday.

It is believed she picked up around £122,442 for the first place win, the biggest single she has landed to date, not bad for a days work.