Mascot Grand National

Racing News: Kempton Mascot Grand National

CALLING ALL MASCOTS…….
TAKE PART IN THE MASCOT GRAND NATIONAL AT KEMPTON PARK

A whole host of family fun is on offer at Kempton Park racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th, including the second running of the Mascot Grand National at the Sunbury venue. Roll up to watch mascots from local sports clubs, charities and other organisations take part in the hilarious race, attempting to be the quickest character in a furry costume to romp down the final furlong on the historic turf!

Local mascots will be battling it out to take home the coveted prize of being the fastest mascot in the West – that is the London South-West! Last year Mr Bumble, Barnet Football Club’s colourfully striped mascot, positively flew down the final furlong to win the first ever running of this hilarious race at Kempton Park. Scotty the Stag from Windsor FC cantered down the track in second place, closely followed by the Plumb-Bay Duck who was representing Plumb-Bay Ltd in Kent and Jenny the Giraffe from Sutton United FC.

Mascots came from far and wide to take part including Bully from Bullseye, the smash hit television game show, Kingsley Royal from recently promoted Reading FC, Haydon the Womble from AFC Wimbledon, Reggie the Red from Guilford Heat Basketball Club, Digger from London Irish were among the many mascots taking part and raising money for charity.

The friendly, furry characters will be running, rolling and stumbling their way to possible victory in-between the horse races taking place on the track featuring real live animals of the four legged variety. As well as seeing first-hand this unique madcap race there will be lots of fun activities that all the family can enjoy during the afternoon!

To celebrate the second running of the Mascot Grand National Kempton Park is delighted to announce that Princess Alice Hospice is this year’s nominated charity for the mascot race, with each mascot donating their entry fee to the cause.

Princess Alice Hospice, a local charity to Kempton Park, is dedicated to providing free high-quality compassionate care and support for patients, their families and carers. The charity, which relies on the support of the local community, cares for people with cancer and other illnesses living in a large part of Surrey, south west London and Middlesex.

Emma Waggott from Princess Alice Hospice commented “The Mascot Grand National at Kempton Park will be a great day out for all the family. We are delighted to be partnering with Kempton Park on this unique annual event to raise money for Princess Alice Hospice”.

Phil White, Kempton Park’s General Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be holding the second running of the Mascot Grand National at Kempton Park and look forward to welcoming mascots to come and take part”.

“The Mascot Grand National is great fun and we are pleased to be able to showcase it in the London area for the second year running. We hope the race will catch the imagination of the general public who will come to Kempton to cheer on their favourite mascot and help raise money for Princess Alice Hospice” Phil continued.

All mascots, big or small, short or tall are welcome to enter the race, and to raise funds for their associated charities as well as Princess Alice Hospice which all mascot entry fees will be directly donated to. Visit www.kempton.co.uk to download an entry form or call 01932 782292 for more information.

Book tickets now to take advantage of special online advance booking discounts! Tickets for all Kempton Park’s special events can be bought online at www.kempton.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 579 3008. Tickets for the family fun day on May 6th cost just £12.80 for adults if booked in advance or £16 each on the gate on the day. Remember, KIDS GO FREE, if accompanied by an adult, so bring the whole family for a day of great value entertainment.

Kempton Mascot Grand National 2012

Hot favourite Heavy Bucks falls (multiple times) as Mr Bumble bolts up in the Kempton Mascot Grand National 2012!

Mr Bumble, Barnet Football Club’s colourfully striped mascot, positively flew down the final furlong at Kempton Park to win the first ever running of the Blue Square Mascot Grand National at the Surrey racecourse.

Mascot fans turned out on Bank Holiday Monday to watch the hilarious spectacle of 47 mascots taking to the track in aid of charity. Scotty the Stag from Windsor FC cantered down the track in second place, closely followed by the Plumb-Bay Duck who was representing Plumb-Bay Ltd in Kent and Jenny the Giraffe from Sutton United FC.

Mascots came from far and wide to take part including Bully from Bullseye, the smash hit television game show, Kingsley Royal from recently promoted Reading FC, Haydon the Womble from AFC Wimbledon, Reggie the Red from Guilford Heat Basketball Club, Digger from London Irish and Mr Testicles who was running for Male Cancer Awareness, and most importantly our very own Heavy Bucks for the Horse Racing Tavern.

Reaction was mixed after Heavy Bucks run, with trainer Alan Hughes apparently a broken man after re-mortgaging his house on the double carpet price available for Heavy Bucks pre-race. ”Well he ran his heart out, but he clearly wasn’t ready for the step up in trip and grade. His jumping let us down on the day. We’ll be back next year no doubt, and Heavy Bucks will have strengthened up by then”.

Kempton Park worked in partnership with Heart FM to raise what is anticipated to be in excess of £2000 for ‘Have a Heart’, the nominated charity of this year’s mascot race. Every mascot in the race donated their entry fee to the cause and Kempton Park contributed £1 from every admission ticket sold to the ‘Have a Heart’ appeal.

Racegoers, who came to the Sunbury on Thames racecourse, enjoyed and the afternoon Flat racing and plenty of family entertainment including a mini mobile petting farm, pony rides, face painting, balloon modelling stilt walkers, a colouring station and free fun fair rides.

Kimberley Green, Kempton Park’s Marketing Manager, commented: “The Blue Square Mascot Grand National was a fabulous spectacle and we were delighted that so many mascots entered (52 originally with a few non-runners) and to see so many supporters cheering their favourite mascot home”.

“The Mascot Grand National is great fun and Kempton Park was pleased to be able to showcase it in the London area and raise valuable funds for charity” Kimberley continued.