GERMAN television is to get its first taste of the Scottish Grand National, when Saturday's big race goes out live to the sports-mad country - hosted in a Munich studio by an Ayrshiremen in a kilt.
Norman Rodger, the anchor- man for the Premier Win Channel, is looking forward to sharing the action from his home town Ayr with racing fans in his adopted country, and has persuaded his fellow presenters to also don full Highland regalia for the aft
ernoon.
"I am delighted to be presenting the first ever showing of the Scottish Grand National on German television," said Rodger, who moved to the continent 13 years ago. "I am hoping that Germans watching will perhaps next year take advantage of the cheap flights and come to Scotland to see the race for themselves."
Rodger's father, Sammy, retired from the racecourse where he was a painter several years ago, but still works on race days in the weighing room.
"I'm going to say hello to my dad on television on Saturday," added Rodger. "I can't wait to let the viewers know I'm an Ayr man and proud of it."
Turning to the race itself, All In the Stars has emerged as the outright favourite in virtually all ante-post markets.
The Paul Keane-trained eight year-old is 7-1 with Totesport and 8s with all other bookmakers. Ladbrokes have Ladalko from Paul Nicholls' yard joint favourite at 8s. Nil Desperandum, fourth in the Grand National at Aintree earlier this month, is 10s with William Hill but generally available at 14s.
The full field will be known today when the 48-hour declarations are made.
This afternoon is Craven day at Newmarket and continuing the father and son theme, Barry Hills Killybegs, to be ridden by his son Michael, is the tip to land the Group 3 prize.
At Headquarters yesterday, Sir Michael Stoute was all smiles after Notnowcato delivered his first Group winner of the season when triumphing in the Weatherbys Earl Of Sefton Stakes.
The progressive son of Inchinor, sent off a 5-2 chance, collared Kew Green well inside the final furlong before going on to score by a length-and-a-quarter.
Ed Dunlop looks to have another smart three-year-old filly on his hands after Illuminise (5-1) struck in the Rossdales Maiden Fillies' Stakes. Frankie Dettori delivered Illuminise with a perfectly-timed run and the pair went on to score by half a length from favourite Edaara.
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