JOE Farrell repelled the late challenge of Ballyoptic to win the Grade 3 Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Sent off a 33/1 chance in the hands of Adam Wedge, the Rebecca Curtis-trained winner dug deep on the run to the line, with just a nose separating the two runners after almost four miles of racing.

Leading fancy Vintage Clouds was to the fore throughout and he assumed control of matters with five to jump, but Wedge was tracking his move aboard Joe Farrell and eased into second on jumping the next fence.

With momentum in his favour, Wedge committed for home with three to jump and as Vintage Clouds began to toil, Ballyoptic hit top stride for Tom Bellamy.

Switched for his challenge after the last, Ballyoptic tried his best to reel in the winner but Joe Farrell, who was getting a stone from the runner-up, clung on at the line.

Vintage Clouds claimed third, with Doing Fine fourth, but 7/1 favourite Fagan was never sighted for Gordon Elliott.

Midnight Shadow recorded a surprise 25/1 victory in the Grade 2 QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle.

Making his first start in handicap company in this two-mile heat, Midnight Shadow was settled on the heels of the early leaders and was primed to challenge as A Hare Breath made his run for home with three to jump.

Danny Cook kicked to the front at the penultimate flight on the Sue Smith-trained winner, but 11/2 favourite Claimantakinforgan was just starting to roll and he pushed Midnight Shadow all the way to the line, eventually being beaten a length and a quarter.

Last year's winner Chesterfield could finish only third after a mistake in the early stages, while Charli Parcs kept on for fourth.

Smith told ITV Racing: "I'm delighted with him. He's done nothing wrong all season and he's obviously appreciated this ground today. He's just done nothing but progress so we're really delighted."