Mascots head to Kempton racecourse for “Grand National”
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Racegoers can expect some unusual scenes at Kempton Park’s alternative version of the Grand National, to be held next month.
On bank holiday Monday 7 May, Kempton Park racecourse will be hosting the Mascot Grand National for the first time. It has been held at Huntingdon for the past 12 years.
Mascots from all over the country will race over hurdles – rather than Grand National-style fences – to try to take the title from reigning champion, Mr Bumble, Barnet Football Club’s giant bumblebee mascot.
This year the organisers are trying to break the Guinness World Record for the amount of mascots gathered. The current record stands at 166 – so they are calling for mascots from all over the country to come and take part. Past races have attracted a worldwide online and television audience.
The race is running in association with Heart FM radio network to raise money for their charity “Have a Heart”, which aims to improve the lives of children living within the local communities.
Kempton’s Kimberley Green said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Mascot Grand National to Kempton Park and attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the amount of Mascots gathered to take part.
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“We know how much fun the Mascot Grand National is and how much the public love it.”
The organisers are encouraging all mascots, whatever shape or size, to enter and raise funds for their own associated charities, as well as “Have a Heart”, to which all mascot entry fees will be directly donated.
More information and entry forms are available on www.kempton.co.uk or 01932 782292.
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