Ted Spread is rated around a 33-1 chance for the world's most famous Flat race.

BBC: Epsom Derby 2010: Michael Hills to ride Ted Spread

In contrast, the other 2004 super-filly, Ouija Board, is owned solely by Lord Derby, whose ancestor founded the world's most famous Flat race.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport | Horse Racing | Frankie and fillies top Flat bill

The race card at each meeting features flat racing, winter-style trotting and the local speciality, skijoring -- an awkward combination of horse, human and skis which is a clear crowd favorite.

CNN: Cool racing: Horses battle on snow

Donny Butts says he was told that the district attorney had said flat out that this was not a crime of race.

CNN: Victim's son: 'They ran him over because he was black'

But when the race turned out to be an absolutely flat-out struggle between the two Red Bulls and two McLarens, the pace was much harder for much longer than had been anticipated.

BBC: Are Lewis Hamilton & Jenson Button set to collide?

Even the better known candidates will remember the example of Fred Thompson, an actor-turned-politician who waited to enter the last presidential race until September 2007, only to fall completely flat.

ECONOMIST: The Republicans

However, the 24-year-old Swansea Harrier did not race over the hurdles in his national championship but won the 400m flat in Cardiff instead.

BBC: Welsh athletics given Commonwealth Games target

Speaking after the race, Mr Balls said that his "biggest concern today was I'd be flat-lining before I got all the way round".

BBC: Ed Balls thanks Osborne for sponsoring his marathon effort