Walcott is Racing Mascot

ARSENAL star Theo Walcott is promoting the 10th John Smith's Mascot GrandNational which will be run at Huntingdon Racecourse this autumn.Theo is involved as an ambassador for the event's official charity - the WillowFoundation which provides special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds.The England international took time out of his training schedule to be picturedwith Hugo The Hound, Gunnersaurus and Sedge The Field Mouse who will be amongthe competitors in this year's race on Sunday 5 October.With the race reaching its 10th anniversary, the Cambridgeshire racecourse isaiming to attract more than 100 mascots to take part in the madcap event whichgains a worldwide television and online audience for the crazy antics of theparticipants.The Willow Foundation, founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson OBE andhis wife Megs after their daughter died of cancer aged 31, will be thebeneficiary of fund raising around the John Smith's Mascot Grand National.Theo Walcott said: "The Willow Foundation helps people my age so what they doreally means something to me. The Arsenal connection and the opportunity to workwith a legend like Bob Wilson make it extra special. I'm pleased to be helpingmake more special days possible."The Mascot Grand National - sponsored by John Smith's, the sponsors of theactual Grand National - is the highlight of every year for Britain's mascots.Mascots the length and breadth of the country step up their training as theyprepare for the big day.It's a hilarious occasion when upwards of 70 mascots run, walk, stagger andstumble over obstacles on a gruelling one-furlong - 220 yards - course.There's been mayhem, controversy, accusations of gamesmanship, and claims of'ringers' over the years since this madcap race began in 1999, but strict rulesnow ensure good clean fun.Sophie Hodgkinson, managing director of Huntingdon Racecourse, said: "The JohnSmith's Mascot Grand National has grown in size and popularity year after year.We're targeting 100 runners this year for the 10th running of the race."The John Smith's Mascot Grand National kicks off an afternoon of jump racing atthe Cambridgeshire racecourse.MASCOT GRAND NATIONAL HISTORY1999: The Mascot Grand National was born as 17 mascots took part in one of themost unusual sights ever seen on a racecourse. Beau Brummie Bulldog, ofBirmingham City FC, won.2000: Word spread, and 49 mascots lined up, with Watford FC's Harry the Hornetstinging the bookmakers in a flying finish.2001: Controversy as Freddie the Fox was first past the post, but turned out tobe an Olympic athlete. Uproar ensued, and Dazzler the Lion (Rushden & DiamondsFC) roared as he was proclaimed the new winner.2002: Chaddy the Owl (Oldham Athletic FC) flew to victory amidst claims that hewas another 'ringer'. The accusations were unfounded - it had been Chaddy'svigorous training routine that enabled him to wing it.2003: For the second year Chaddy the Owl was crowned victor, but only afterseveral rivals were distracted by a female streaker. An attempted £10,000betting coup using a Commonwealth Games gold medallist as Sedge the Field Mousefailed when one of the rodent's feet fell off.2004: The year of Graham the Gorilla, the mascot of local football club FinedonVolta FC, who sent the crowd bananas.2005: The bookies expected Chaddy and Graham to dominate, but the Sunnewspaper's Scoop 6 Squirrel drove everyone nuts with a stunning turn of foot.2006: Football charity Kick 4 Life's mascot Mickey The Monkey proved he was thebusiness despite an attempted 'rugby' tackle on him in the closing stages.Sammy Saint was second for the second year.2007: Wacky Macky Bear saw off the 2006 winner Mickey the Monkey to win forSaffron Walden FC on his Grand National debut.RACECOURSE ADMISSION DETAILSAdmission on Sunday 5 October: Main Enclosure £15; Picnic Enclosure £8.Accompanied children under 16 - free.Parking: Free.Times: Gates open at 12.10pm. John Smith's Mascot Grand National at 1.10pm.First horse race 2.10pm.Contact information: telephone 01480 453373 or emailmascot.huntingdon@jockeyclubracecourses.com