And it's Eric taking the lead, but Cloud 9 is coming up on the outside, closely followed by Norfolk Chance as they head to the finish line...

But the eight steeds competing in each race in Over Wyre on Friday night were not gee-gees – they were sheep.

And the charity race meet at Valiant's Equestrian Centre in Out Rawcliffe certainly pulled the punters and had all the tension and excitement of the sport of kings.

The woollyback racers, sponsored and named by local firms, were ridden by miniature "jockeys" - dolls and cuddly toys - in racing colours, while the crowds placed bets on their favourites.

To avoid a sheepish start, two of the creatures were placed at the top of the track for each race - making sure the others did actually get off the starting block - to encourage their four-legged grass guzzlers to sprint forward.

People of all ages – young and old – had flocked to the big event, organised by the local branch of the Conservative Association for a flutter on characters such as SOS Magic, The Ice Bag, Desperate Lass, Bernie's Little Lamb and Doreen.

Alison Metcalf, one of the organisers, said it usually took the sheep a few attempts before the animals got the hang of the race.

She said: "It's a really fun event and everyone enjoys getting involved and putting on a little bet. We had six races and then the championship run – The Grand National. It takes a few goes sometimes for the sheep to get the hang of it, but after a few races they start to run in a straight line.

"Proceeds will go to the local Conservative association and the Mayor of Wyre's charities – the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the Rosemere Cancer Foundation."

At the start of each race the competitors had to be held back by local men to stop any false starts, before they were released and the chase was underway.

In the first race, Gazette-backed Dolly the Sheep started running the wrong way – but, with her wont to follow where others lead, she got back on track and headed to the finish.

Lancaster and Wyre MP, Ben Wallace, said: "It was brilliant fun, a real community event."