Woolly jumpers take to racecourse

While Devon trainer David Pipe's horse claimed victory at the Grand National elsewhere in the county 700 spectators were enjoying a rather different race.

The Grand National Sheep Stakes at the Big Sheep near Bideford was won by outsider Woolly Jumper.

The six sheep ran a course over eight small jumps - each carrying a "jockey" sporting individual racing colours.

Anna Tattersall from the Big Sheep said it was a very exciting race. "And we didn't have one casualty," she said.

Runners and riders

• Alderknitty ridden by Bob Chump
• Sheargar ridden by Woolly Carson
• Little Pullover ridden by R Ramcombe
• Golden Fleece ridden by P Earl
• Woolly Jumper ridden by P Scrabimore
• Red Ram ridden by Jester Piglet

Like its Aintree counterpart special guests were treated to a Champagne reception in the Tattersalls enclosure overlooking the racecourse where punters were able to place bets on the contenders.

"Woolly Jumper was the complete outsider so he surprised us all," said Mrs Tattersall.

No sheep had trouble with the fences, she said.

"They do enjoy it and they are happy to get to the end - they know there's food waiting for them there."

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