AND THEY'RE OFF
Celebs design own colours for National
SCOTS celebrities have jumped into the Grand National spirit by designing jockey colours to be auctioned for charity.
Former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan and sports presenter wifeGabby, Big Brother contestant Shell Jubin, model and actress Catherine McQueen andchef gordan Ramsay are just some of the stars who have lent their support to a campaign organised by bookmaker Totesport to raise cash for the Alder Hey Hospital's Imagine Appeal, the official charity of the Grand National which is run at Aintree, in Liverpool.
There's also a jockey silk in memory of the city's favourite son, John Lennon, after his widow, Yoko Ono, allowed the use of one of his drawings.
Totesport spokesman Paul Petrie said: "The Grand National captures the nation's imagination and hopefully this campaign can do the same."
Jayne Hauxwell, of Imagine Appeal, added:"It's a fantastic way to raise funds for the largest children's hospital in Europe."
You can view and bid for the silks online at
http://www.imagine appeal.com/totesport.asp
Here we bring you some of the most colourful designs by celebrities who also included furniture designer Iinda Barker, fast car guru Jeremy Clarkson, champion jockey Tony McCoy, chef Gary Rhodes and Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
PADDY McGUINNESS
Cheeky Irish hopeful is a thoroughbred comedian but can get a bit restless in the paddock. Might have a bit of a stamina problem if it turns into a chase.
LINDA BARKER
The Changing Rooms star always has designs on being first past the post and is never happy just being part of the field's furniture.
CLARE BALDING
The BBC sports presenter shouldn't give punters paws for thought that she doesn't know her stuff. Her dad was a top racehorse trainer.
GABBY LOGAN
Fans' favourite adds a touch of class to any event and is always a popular choice for the winners' enclosure.
MICHELLE MARSH
The pin-up girl has chosen a suitably racy design for her colours, but whether any jockey would be prepared to cross the starting line wearing them is another matter.
GORDON RAMSAY
The country's best-known chef is a racing certainty to cause controversy wherever he goes. His design should keep him in the swim.
HARRY HILL
It's difficult to fix the odds on the quirky funnyman. You never know what he's going to do, but he's a sure bet to put a smile on your face.
JEREMY CLARKSON
The Top Gear presenter is sure he's a super stallion and loves going fast. Let's hope he isn't nicked by that speed camera.
JOHN LENNON
It's hard to imagine anything about Liverpool without thinking of the late, great Beatle. His design will be an odds-on favourite.
CATHERINE McQUEEN
The gorgeous actress is always in great form and, judging by the design of her jockey silk, is on the cards to be a colourful contender.
JOHN FRANCOME
If anyone knows about being a winner, it's the champion jockey. He's a real horse-racing star and his design is spot on.
dailyrecord
