Had it have been a photo finish Sutton United's mascot Jenny the Giraffe would have definitely won this year's mascot race by a neck, but unfortunately, it was never that close.

Last weekend mascots from around the country galloped down the final furlong at Kempton Park for BetVictor Mascot Grand National.

After two years of top four finishes, there were high hopes this year for Jenny, but the warm conditions took its toll on the Us biggest fan, and manges to canter home in 10th place.

John James, Jenny's handler, said: "It was such a warm day, we kept having to spray water in her face to cool her down, she was nearly passing out, by the end of the race, we nearly had to water board her.

All the children wanted to get their picture taken with her because she is so dopey looking, it was probably nearly half an hour after the race in the sweltering heat before we managed to get the suit off."

Billy Barratt, Barratt Southern Counties mascot, took the spoils on Monday ahead of last year's winner Mr Bumble from Barnett FC closely followed by Hotshot who was representing Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders Basketball Club.

Olympic gold medallist Iwan Thomas ran as BBC One Show mascot Onesie but could not keep up with Billy Barratt.

Kempton Park worked in partnership with Princess Alice Hospice to raise funds for the nominated charity of this year’s mascot race.

 

Every mascot in the race donated their entry fee to the cause and a bucket collection was also held on the day at the racecourse resulting in £1100 being raised for the charity.