Long shot claims Scottish national

Outsider Iris De Balme produced an extraordinary performance to land the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Outsider Iris De Balme produced an extraordinary performance to land the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Racing from almost two stone out of the handicap, the Sean Curran-trained eight-year-old was an unconsidered 66-1 chance but was almost running away with Charlie Huxley at the last as he streaked clear of gallant top-weight Halcon Genelardais.

Fourteen lengths was the margin of victory at the end of the four-mile marathon, with Halcon Genelardais another two and a quarter lengths in front of Flintoff.

Old Benny, the 4-1 favourite, was fourth after being far from fluent throughout.