Scots National entry for Sir Alex's Friend

SIR Alex Ferguson could bid to land top prize in the £180,000 Coral Scottish Grand National after his runner What A Friend was included among 80 entries for Ayr's showpiece jumps race on Saturday, 16 April.

What A Friend appeared in the entry list yesterday, although champion trainer Paul Nicholls may aim the Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth-placed horse at the Grand National a week earlier. Nicholls' other entries for Ayr are Neptune Collonges, Niche Market and The Minack.

Chicago Grey, winner of the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, is also among the entries and Gordon Elliott's ten-year-old will bid to become the first Irish-trained winner of the race since it was moved to Ayr from Bogside in 1966. Tim Vaughan's Beshabar, second to Chicago Grey, is also entered.

Last year's winner Merigo from Andrew Parker's stable could be back to defend his title alongside 2008 victor Iris de Balme, now with Joanna Davis.