VICS’ mascot has raised hundreds of pounds from a race against fellow furry emblems.

Tony Rogers, better known by the club’s supporters as Tricky the Cat, fled through a field of multi-coloured mascots at the tenth annual Grand National.

To see him in action, click on Watch the mascots race each other, below right.

Tricky finished inside the top 15.

Wacky Macky Bear - mascot for Saffron Walden Town - successfully defended his title at Huntingdon Racecourse.

Despite high winds and driving rain Tricky clawed his way through the 73-strong starting line up to finish a little way behind the frontrunner’s over the gruelling 220-yard fenced course.

His feat raised £140 for the John Smith-sponsored event’s official charity the Willow Foundation – which provides special days for seriously ill people.

A further £100, to be donated to the club’s funds, was pledged in an online sweepstake run by supporters.

The madcap event gained a worldwide television and online audience for the crazy antics of the participants.

Rogers, now 42, recently retired from the Armed Forces after 22 years of service.

He has seen action on operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan and now wants to spend part of his spare time doing charity work representing Vics.

And he has already lined up his next challenge.

Tricky plans a 10-mile sponsored walk through Delamere Forest next month to help children’s charity I Can.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him should contact Dave Thomas at the club on 01606 44127.