GIANT monkeys, foxes, owls and gorillas will once again grace the hallowed turf of Huntingdon Racecourse for the annual mascot grand national next week. The ever-popular event takes place on Sunday, October 7, and The Hunts Post has teamed up with the rac

GIANT monkeys, foxes, owls and gorillas will once again grace the hallowed turf of Huntingdon Racecourse for the annual mascot grand national next week.

The ever-popular event takes place on Sunday, October 7, and The Hunts Post has teamed up with the racecourse to offer readers a special discount on tickets.

Readers who order their tickets before Tuesday, October 2 can get two for the price of one on the £15 main enclosure tickets.

Simply contact the racecourse on 01480 453373 and quote the code MAS07 to receive the discount.

The race, often shrouded in controversy, has been run every year since 1999, when Birmingham City mascot Brummie Bulldog clinched the title.

The next year, Watford's Harry the Hornet was the winner before controversy hit in 2001.

Freddie the Fox, of the Countryside Appreciation Group, was first past the post but turned out to be a ringer - an Olympic athlete. Dazzler the Lion from Rushden FC was eventually awarded the win.

In 2002 and 2003, Chaddy the Owl from Oldham Athletic triumphed, while Graham the Gorilla sent the crowd bananas in 2004.

Scoop 6 Squirrel from The Sun newspaper won in 2005 before Mickey the Monkey from charity Kick 4 Life romped home last year.

INFORMATION: Gates open at 12.10pm for the race, which gets underway at 1.10pm, to be followed by horse racing from 2.10pm.

Tickets are £15 for the main enclosure, £7 for the picnic enclosure and accompanied children under 16 get in for free. Parking is free.