| Where: | Formerly at Birmingham, West Midlands at Broad Street |
| When: | Formerly Late November on a Sunday |
| Time: | Formerly 1pm |
This was a charity fundraising event in which competitors in a horse/jockey costume combo raced along Broad Street, jumping over hay-bales. Silly? maybe, but lots of fun. As you can see from the photo, the entrants were not the traditional two-person horses where one human acts as front legs and the other the back legs of a single horse: these were steed and rider combined. There were up to 40 entrants (just like in the real Grand National!) and a gruelling course of twelve fences; it was going annually since 2003 and made a great family day out. Expect a plethora of pantomime jokes of the “It’s behind you!” variety and plenty of horsing around. Sadly this event seems to have lapsed in 2011.
Helpful Hints
You could place bets! Entry was free for spectators; if you wanted to compete you had to register in advance (costumes were provided by the organisers so you don’t need your own panto horse) and pay a £50 fee.
The event took a break during 2011 – no sign as yet of a revival.
Photo by Birmingham News Room.
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Would really like to go to this, but can’t find any info about it anywhere. Is it on this year?
Nick
Hi Nick,
I’ve been trying for a while to get some info on this event but like yourself, I’ve got nowhere. I can only conclude that it isn’t happening this year, which is a shame as it looks great fun. I’ve amended my article and with any luck someone will tell me if it is in fact going ahead. If I find anything out, I’ll let you know!
Averil
I’ve just had confirmation from Birmingham City Council that the Pantomime Horse Grand National will not be taking place this year (2011). Not sure if it’s been cancelled for good, but I’ll be keeping an eye out next year just in case. It’s a shame as it was great fun, but at least I get to remain as reigning champion for another year!
Nicki & Spank the Donkey
Hi Nicki!
Congrats for being last years champion and thanks for letting me know about this year. Maybe it’l be back for 2012 – if not you might hold the title for ever! I’m hoping it’ll be on again at some point- we live quite a distance away and I haven’t seen it yet so fingers crossed!
Averil
Hello, I would like to find out where I might purchase one of these one-person horse costumes. With sincere thanks, Bruce
Sorry Bruce,
I don’t have anything to do with the organisation of the event so I haven’t a clue and as it appears to be moribund, I can’t suggest who to ask. Hope you manage to find one!
Averil