Jet-Setting Bunnies Hop to Yorkshire for the UK's First Rabbit Grand National

Yorkshire is host to an unusual sporting spectacle next weekend as the UK's first Rabbit Grand National is held at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, on 29-30 January 2011.

British bunnies, including competitors from across the region, have been in training to take on serious International competition from four of Sweden's finest jumpers, who are flying in with their owners for the event.

The rabbit jumping attraction is taking place at the Burgess Premier Small Animal Show, the 'Crufts' of the small animal world, attracting more than 3,000 gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats. Open to the public, the event showcases a trade area which will house a range of stalls selling craft, food and pet products as well as the new Showcase Square Activity Zone, where children's activities will be taking place throughout the weekend.

Show organisers are thrilled to stage the Rabbit Grand National and expect the title of champion to be hotly contested. Thirteen rabbits will take part in the timed display and tackle the course, which is based on horse jumping, but designed to be rabbit friendly. The current world record for the highest jump was set in 1997 by Danish rabbit Tosen, who jumped almost a metre, and the long jump record was set by another Danish rabbit, Yabo, who hopped an amazing three metres (10ft) in 1999. It is hoped that next weekend's show could be the venue for some more record breaking bunny hops. 

Demi Smith, from Wakefield, who is responsible for bringing the competition to the UK, and who will be competing with her rabbit Harley, said: "The Swedish contingent may feel they have the competitive edge, as the sport originated in Sweden in the late 1970s, but we're confident that we can keep the title on home turf! The rabbit jumping is a fantastic addition to the show and one that is sure to attract a great deal of interest as the craze has captured the imagination of so many small animal lovers."

Naomi Chatterley, marketing manager at Burgess Pet Care and Small Animal Show sponsor, said: "Rabbits are natural hoppers of course, and because of their agility, the rabbit's love it. It's fun for owners and rabbits alike. These rabbits have been specially trained for rabbit agility and travelling, and while we wouldn't encourage just anyone to do this with their own pet rabbit,  it does demonstrate to people who attend the show, or who might be thinking of getting a pet rabbit, just how much exercise and space they do actually need."

"We have been working hard to make sure the conditions at the event are a home from home for the stars of the show. Their demands have been quite modest, with just one or two special requirements such as deluxe double-sized pens." 

The Rabbit Grand National will take place at intervals throughout the weekend in the main showcase square activity zone. Visit www.smallanimalshow.co.uk for more information.

Tickets to the show are just £7 for adults and £3 children, a family ticket is £18 for two adults and three children, entrance for children under five is free. Tickets can be purchased on the door. The show is open from 9.00-17.30 on Saturday and 9.00-16.00 on Sunday.