Press Release Summary = The 8th Mascot Grand National will be held at Huntingdon Racecourse, United Kingdom, on Sunday 24 September
Press Release Body = FORGET the Ryder Cup. The real sporting contest on Sunday 24 September is the 8th Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon Racecourse.
Mascots the length and breadth of Britain are stepping up their training as they prepare for the big day.
It's a hilarious event when upwards of 60 sporting mascots run, walk, stagger and stumble over obstacles on a gruelling one-furlong - 220 yards - course.
There's been mayhem, controversy, accusations of gamesmanship, and claims of 'ringers' over the years since this madcap race began in 1999, but strict rules now ensure good clean fun.
Another large field of runners is in prospect.
The Mascot Grand National kicks off an afternoon of National Hunt racing at the Cambridgeshire racecourse.
MASCOT GRAND NATIONAL HISTORY
1999: The Mascot Grand National was born as 17 mascots took part in one of the most unusual sights ever seen on a racecourse. Beau Brummie Bulldog, of Birmingham City FC, won.
2000: Word spread, and 49 mascots lined up, with Watford FC\'s Harry the Hornet stinging the bookmakers in a flying finish.
2001: Controversy as Freddie the Fox was first past the post, but turned out to be an Olympic athlete. Uproar ensued, and Dazzler the Lion (Rushden & Diamonds FC) roared as he was proclaimed the new winner.
2002: Chaddy the Owl (Oldham Athletic FC) flew to victory amidst claims that he was another 'ringer'. The accusations were unfounded - it had been Chaddy's vigorous training routine that enabled him to wing it.
2003: For the second year Chaddy the Owl was crowned victor, but only after several rivals were distracted by a female streaker. An attempted £10,000 betting coup using a Commonwealth Games gold medallist as Sedge the Field Mouse failed when one of the rodent's feet fell off.
2004: The year of Graham the Gorilla, the mascot of local football club Finedon Volta FC, who sent the crowd bananas.
2005: The bookies expected Chaddy and Graham to dominate, but the Sun newspaper's Scoop 6 Squirrel drove everyone nuts with a stunning turn of foot.
RACECOURSE ADMISSION DETAILS
Admission on Sunday 24 September: Premier Enclosure £16; Paddock Enclosure £13; Picnic Enclosure £7. Accompanied children under 16 - free.
Parking: Free.
Times: Gates open at 12.05pm. Mascot Grand National at 1.10pm. First race 2.05pm. Last race 4.50pm.
Contact information: telephone 01480 453373 or email huntingdon@rht.net.
Web sites: www.huntingdon-racecourse.co.uk www.themascotgrandnational.co.uk.
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Web Site = http://www.themascotgrandnational.co.uk
Contact Details = Amy Starkey, managing director, at Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, UK, on 0044 (0)1480 453373. huntingdon@rht.net
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