Bideford Sheep Grand National

Where: The Big Sheep near Bideford, Devon
When: Saturday in early to mid April ( usually Grand National Day) with daily sheep racing throughout the opening season
Time: 3.45

 

Final furlong

If you’re bored with the gee-gees you might consider watching the Sheep Grand National instead of the conventional horse race on the same day. It takes place each April at the Big Sheep visitor centre near Bideford and the field consists of half a dozen sheep with knitted jockeys who race over a 250 yard course with various themed obstacles including Shepherd’s Brook and Ewe Turn. Expect a well-dressed crowd, real betting and much hilarity. The racing sheep get a tasty snack as a reward at the finish, and are obviously very well used to the watching punters. If you bet on the champ, you get a mug and winner’s badge ( I bet on Red Ram and he was victorious!).

Helpful Hints

The Big Sheep is an ovine theme park with family friendly attractions (see website link below). There are daily sheep races at the park from March to October (see their website for full details as times vary according to season).

In 2024 it was on Saturday April 13th- 2025 date is yet to be confirmed.

Click here for the venue’s website : http://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thebigsheep

View this location on the map.