Controversy reigned after the third running of the Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon in which York City's very own Yorkie hurdled to a top 20 finish from 120 starters.

The fun event, sponsored by online firm NetBetSports.com, was won in runaway fashion by Freddie The Fox. Dazzler The Lion (Rushden and Diamonds) was second while Chaddy The Owl (Oldham Athletic) was third for the second year.

Rumours circulated about the winner wearing spikes rather than traditional mascot-type footwear and racecourse manager Jim Allan confirmed that an inquiry will be held into the legitimacy of Freddie The Fox.

He said: "We want to check out every aspect, the whole story, before any result changes are made.

"Someone said he started on the front line and he should have started on the back. We were telling everyone 'no spikes'.

"The group he represented, the Countryside Appreciation Group, we don't know if they exist or not.

"The trophy will stay here in the office until we establish what happened. We are advising bookmakers to hold all bets until the result of the inquiry is established and we hope that will be tomorrow."

Updated: 14:58 Monday, October 01, 2001