Lean, Mean, Speed Machine - Pig racing Grand National

As autumn approaches Wiltshire is famous for its crop circles, but there is something even more unusual that takes place in the county; Pig Racing. The Grand National is the climax of the racing season before this season’s runners retire. The pigs run with knitted jockeys on their backs and are called such names as Hogwash, Pork Chop, and Road Hog, (and even the jockeys have names, such as Walter Swinburn and Lester Pigglet). The course after the morning inspection was passed and the going was firm. They start the race from their pen and race towards their trough which marks the halfway stage and then it’s a quick dash back up the course, navigating the jumps as they go to the finish. The course time for this meeting was 58 seconds. The prize for their exploits is extra food, apples, and a long drink plus a well-earned retirement, these pigs have saved their bacon! The bookie’s favorite as with most races was the winner.