Boris Johnson probably should have known he was on his way to becoming Mayor London after being an undisputed at winner at Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium last Wednesday.

The London Mayoral Stakes, a specially organised pre-election race, featured six greyhounds named (and dressed) after the mayoral front runners.

As in real life, it was neck and neck between Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone, with Ken taking the initial lead around the Congestion Charge bend'.

Boris then raced ahead as the dogs approached the final "straight and narrow policing" stretch, to win by two lengths.

UKIP candidate Gerard Batten gave them a good run for their money and came in third, while Brian Paddick limped in last.

General manager Darren Kennedy said: "We had an exciting race here tonight, but it wasn't an easy win for Boris - he's really stepped up his game.

"The audience loved it and gave them all a good cheer, and although obviously disappointed, Ken accepted defeat graciously!"

The odds of each dog were a match for their political counterparts and the race saw them decked in their political party colours as well as some additional flourishes with Boris sporting a fetching blond dog wig and Sian in green pearls.

The final placings and odds were:

Place Dog Name Odds Race Colour Trap

1st Boris Johnson 4/6 Blue 2

2nd Ken Livingstone 11/10 Red 1

3rd Gerard Batten 500/1 Black 4

4th Richard Barnbrook 500/1 Stripes 6

5th Sian Berry 100/1 White 3

6th Brian Paddick 25/1 Orange 5 -ends-

9:18am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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