HOPES of a British champion at the first rabbit Grand National were dashed as a Swedish bunny jumped to victory.

Ten trained bunnies took on the course at the Yorkshire Event Centre, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to the delight of hundreds of visitors.

The winning rabbit was Cherie, who had been trained especially for the event.

The highest-placed British entrant was Phoenix, owned by Nicole Barret, from Surrey.

The rabbit Grand National was the centrepiece at the Burgess Premier Small Animal Show, which also featured more than 3,000 gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.

The Grand National was more of a showjumping event than a race, with each bunny competing in a time trial around the specially-made course.

Naomi Chatterley, of Burgess Pet Care, said: “Rabbits are natural hoppers and, because of their agility, they love it. It’s fun for owners and rabbits.

“These rabbits have been specially trained for agility and travelling, and while we wouldn’t encourage anyone to do this with their pet rabbit, it does demonstrate just how much exercise and space they do need.”