UK: 2005 sheep stakes Grand National won by Minty Baabara

The 2005 Sheep Stakes were held in Shropshire. The 2005 Sheep Stakes Grand National was won by Minty Baabara, ridden by 'Jilly Jumper' at Hoo Farm on Friday (April 15, 2005). The origins of sheep racing can be traced back to a dinner party held in 1989, for it was there that the idea for racing sheep was hatched. A guest at the party mentioned that he had seen maggot racing, and over a few bottles of wine sheep racing was born, the first race eventually being held at Hoo Farm in 1992. Although the farm regularly holds sheep races, the 2005 Sheep Stakes is the most prestigious with 10 riders participating. The course covers just over a furlong and is horse-shoe in shape, like the Grand National at Aintree the race is over fences. Entrants in the race, include Lamb Chop, Mighty Mutton and Bo Peep, knitted jockeys with names like Edna Ewe and Freddie Fleece riding on their backs. The race starts in a field with the sheep racing towards their food trough, their finish line, with the prize for their exploits being extra food. Arc Angel was the bookies pre race favourite on a course that was passed fit on the morning of the race, with the going said to be heavy. As with most great races the field were tightly packed with the winner, Minty Baabara (3), leading the pack from the third fence.

ITN Source | April 24, 2005

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