GALLOPING grannies are needed to get under starting orders and take part in a wacky version of the nation's favourite horse race.

York's grandmothers are being urged to saddle up and compete in a contest with a difference - the Gran National.

Bookies totesport, which has a number of shops in York, is behind the crazy race which will pit racing grans against each other at Liverpool on Grand National Day, April 6.

But first, Yorkshire's finest will meet at Doncaster Racecourse, where they will have to race 100m with a hobbyhorse while completing fun "jumps" which are named in reference to the real fences.

In this case, Bechers Brook will be more a case of dodging the potted plants, while the water jump will be substituted by a couple of giant water pistols. The triumphant gran from the Yorkshire heat will then go forward to the "gran final" where they will have the chance to scoop a £1,000 bet on the steeplechase.

The company wants sprightly York grans to sign up and take their chance in the heat, which will be held on March 30.

Damian Walker, totesport PR manager, said: "The Grand National is one of the few times of the year when the whole country goes betting mad, including many Grans who only ever bet on this one race.

"totesport decided to offer one Gran the chance to upgrade her usual low risk fun wager to a £1,000 bet.

"The races are all going to be fun events and the winner of each heat will also receive a £50 bet. Every Granny that is nominated will also receive a complimentary £1 bet for the Grand National, so it's worthwhile asking your Gran if she fancies taking part."

Interested grannies need to visit any of York's totesport stores to fill in an entry form.

City centre shops are in Bootham, Walmgate and Hull Road.

Updated: 11:02 Monday, March 14, 2005