Totesport, the official betting partner for the John Smiths Grand National, has commissioned local North West artist, Anthony Barrow, to do portraits of a number of celebrities including Gordon Ramsay, John McCririck and Johnny Vegas.  However, the portraits are unusual in that they have been drawn using the horse hair of ex Grand National winner, Numbersixvalverde.  The finished articles will be exhibited at the Aintree meeting and then auctioned to raise money for the official charity of the Grand National, Alder Hey Hospital's Imagine Appeal. 

Paul Petrie, totesport spokesman commented, 'The Grand National is all about bringing horseracing to the attention of as many people as possible and we thought that this project would help to do just that.  It is a unique piece of art and the fact that the hair used was from a past Grand National winner should make it a great collector's item.'

Jayne Hauxwell from the Imagine Appeal added, 'It's a fantastic way to raise funds and awareness for the largest children's hospital in Europe. Imagine aims to improve quality of life for all children in hospital.  We have always been well supported by the racing industry and we thank totesport, John Smith's, and the jockeys in particular for their continued support.' 

To find out more about the auction of the pictures, please contact the IMAGINE Appeal office on 0151-252 5716/5726.