Chaddy retains title

Chaddy left the opposition trailing

Chaddy the Owl swooped to take his second straight Ladbrokes Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon.

The Oldham Athletic favourite, with Kevin Williams inside the costume, became the first mascot to claim back-to-back wins.

The 2-1 favourite, was in charge from half way to come home well clear of his rivals.

However, the race was not without controversy.

The odds on Sedge the Field Mouse were slashed from 66-1 to 2-1 when it was revealed Commonwealth Games sprinter Allyn Condon had donned the rodent's garb.

Photo Gallery Mascots do battle

But Condon's chances were ended when one of his mouse feet came loose.

A relieved Ladbrokes spokesman Warren Lush said: "Chaddy has done us a massive favour - it was a case of the Owl getting the Mouse."

Williams, 29, a part-time model and TV extra, vowed to be back next year for his hat-trick.

He said: "I took Manchester United's mascot Fred The Red down to the start with me and he acted as my minder to make sure I wasn't nobbled.

"My only moment of anxiety happened when a busty streaker started making her way down the track towards me and it caused me to veer off a straight line."

A total of 80 mascots lined up for the race, and the commentator somehow managed to miss the streaker to call home Chaddy.

The Latics mascot was an 8-11 chance when Ladbrokes opened their betting but drifted out to 2-1 when the plunge on Sedge began.