YORK City talisman Yorkie is leading the way in the race to find the best-supported mascot.

As reported in the Evening Press, organisers of this Sunday's British Mascot Grand National are wanting to find the best supported cheerleader ahead of the big race.

With just days before voting closes, Yorkie is heading a chasing pack of more than 100 mascots from all over the world, closely followed by lesser known Phoney Pony from the Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre and Livvy the Lion from Livingston FC.

City fans can pledge their allegiance to Yorkie by voting on-line at www.discover-racing.com/mascots/ with voting closing at midnight on Saturday.

The most popular mascot will win £500 to donate to a charity of their choice when the Mascot Grand National gets under starter's orders at the Discover Racing Day at Huntingdon Racecourse.

Fans can also be quids-in by backing City's furry-friend. One lucky voter will win a VIP trip for four to next year's Grand National at Aintree.

For the first time, the Mascot Grand National is actually forming part of the racecard at Huntingdon with on-course bookies taking bets on the race which is being sponsored by Scarborough-based internet site NetBetSports.com

Updated: 11:54 Thursday, September 27, 2001