Pantomime Horse Grand National, Oh no it isn’t!
In one of the more bizarre events on the UK sporting calendar, thousands of people yesterday turned out to watch the 7th annual pantomime horse race.A parody of the traditional Grand National race at Aintree, the charity event sees competitors slip into pantomime horse and jockey outfits for the race in Birmingham city centre.
But it is not all laughs -- hundreds of pounds are bet on the racers at a special bookmakers which is set up on the site.
After the bets have been placed, the competitors then charge around the gruelling 12 jump course in the hope of scooping the (obviously prestigious) title.
Mens winner James Bamber, from Devon, who 'rode' Hoof Hearted to a narrow victory in the Colts race, said: "Say what you like about the marathon, but that was harder work."I was in second or third for most of the race but coming up to the final jump I took the lead. This was only the second time I have entered the race," the 36-year-old added.
The fillies race was won by 28 year-old Nicki Mills on her horse -- named Spank The Donkey.
Money raised from the entry fees and the bookmakers are donated to the Lord Mayor’s charities and it is estimated that the event has this year raised approximately £4,000.
Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture said: "It’s great to see so many people come together to raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Charities, and also have lots of fun."
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Pantomime Horse Grand National
