The hilarious occasion during which up to 100 mascots run, walk, stagger and stumble over obstacles on a gruelling course is to be held at the Sunbury racecourse for the first time next May.
Established in 1999, the Mascot Grand National has been run 12 times at Huntingdon Racecourse which, like Kempton Park, is part of Jockey Club Racecourses.
Amy Starkey, Kempton Park's managing director who previously held the same position at Huntingdon, said: "We're delighted to be bringing the Mascot Grand National to Kempton Park.
"From next May - when we will stage the race on the Bank Holiday Monday at the start of the month - it will be bigger and more exciting than ever before.
"I know from my time as managing director of Huntingdon Racecourse how much fun the Mascot Grand National is and how much the public love it. Moving to Kempton Park will be a new era for the race when we will showcase how much enjoyment there can be when mascots from a host of sporting clubs and other organisations get together.
"The mascots are really enthusiastic about it too because it's an occasion when they can all gather, raise money for charity and meet their fans. The football mascots are especially passionate about it."
Mascots the length and breadth of the country step up their training as they prepare for the big day.
There's been mayhem, controversy, accusations of gamesmanship, and claims of 'ringers' over the years since the race was first run, but strict rules ensure good clean fun.
Mascot Grand National roll of honour
1999: The Mascot Grand National was born as 17 mascots took part in one of the most unusual sights ever seen on a racecourse. Beau Brummie Bulldog, of Birmingham City FC, won.
2000: Word spread, and 49 mascots lined up, with Watford FC's Harry the Hornet stinging the bookmakers in a flying finish.
2001: Controversy as Freddie the Fox was first past the post, but turned out to be an Olympic athlete. Uproar ensued, and Dazzler the Lion (Rushden & Diamonds FC) roared as he was proclaimed the new winner.
2002: Chaddy the Owl (Oldham Athletic FC) flew to victory amidst claims that he was another 'ringer'. The accusations were unfounded - it had been Chaddy's vigorous training routine that enabled him to wing it.
2003: For the second year Chaddy the Owl was crowned victor, but only after several rivals were distracted by a female streaker. An attempted £10,000 betting coup using a Commonwealth Games gold medallist as Sedge the Field Mouse failed when one of the rodent's feet fell off.
2004: The year of Graham the Gorilla, the mascot of local football club Finedon Volta FC, who sent the crowd bananas.
2005: The bookies expected Chaddy and Graham to dominate, but the Sun newspaper'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 the business 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 for Saffron Walden FC on his Grand National debut.
2008: The tenth running of the mascot race sees Wacky Macky Bear win for the second year in a row.
2009: At last a Cambridgeshire winner, as Stag from Huntingdon Rugby Club triumphed. Inside the costume was Heath Crawford, a New Zealand-born rugby player.
2010: Barnet Football Club's Mr Bumble stung his rivals with victory in the 12th running.
2011: No race.
2012: The Mascot Grand National moves to Kempton Park Racecourse.
ENDS 635 words
For further information, please contact:
Kempton Park media office on 01932 782292
18 August 2011
About The Jockey Club
The Jockey Club is at the heart of racing in Great Britain as the largest commercial group in the sport. Its interests include:
Jockey Club Racecourses: Responsible for the operation of a diversified portfolio of 14 racecourses in Great Britain: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom Downs, Exeter, Haydock Park, Huntingdon, Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Nottingham, Sandown Park, Warwick and Wincanton.
The group stages four of the five 'Classics' of Flat racing (the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom Downs and the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket), as well as the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree.
Jockey Club Estates: The property and land management company responsible for the management and administration of more than 5,000 acres of land in and around the racing training centres of Newmarket and Lambourn, as well as an extensive property portfolio, including the Jockey Club Rooms.
The National Stud: Transferred from Government to The Jockey Club in 2008, The National Stud is a commercial thoroughbred breeding enterprise with a commitment to provide training and educational programmes.
Racing Welfare: A racing charity and company limited by guarantee with The Jockey Club being the sole member. The principal objective of Racing Welfare is to provide help to those in need who work or have worked in the thoroughbred industry, and their dependants.
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