Teacher to realise horse race dream

A school teacher from Hednesford is getting closer to realising the dream of a lifetime by riding in his first ever horse race at Aintree watched by millions.

Former stable lad Stephen Williams beat thousands hoping to take part in the 2009 John Smith's People's Race at Aintree on Grand National Day, April 4, in front of 70,000 spectators and a TV audience of millions. The event that gives 10 members of the public the chance to ride in a nine-furlong charity amateur flat race on one of the most prestigious days in the racing calendar.

Mr Williams, aged 40, who teaches English at Blake Valley Technology College, is one of 32 members of the public selected to attend a gruelling assessment of his fitness and riding skills at the British Racing School, Newmarket, on January 17.

He said: "I'm extremely excited to be chosen and am determined to make it through the first stage.

"To ride at Aintree really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I now have a chance to make that happen," he added.

"Horse racing is my first love and I still ride at weekends.

"I have been teaching for six years now and Blake Valley is my first teaching job and I really enjoy it."

After the first stage selection, 16 apprentices will be chosen to go forward to the second stage of the race which will involve extensive coaching with some of the country's leading race horse trainers before the field is finally whittled down to the Aintree 10.

Along the way, riders will need to convince a panel of experts, including former Grand National winner Mick Fitzgerald and BBC Racing presenter Clare Balding, that they are ready to meet the daunting challenge that awaits them.

Each of the riders taking part in the race will collect £5,000 for their chosen charity with the winner receiving £50,000 for the organisation, plus the added incentive of a five-star trip for two to Dubai for racing's 2010 World Cup or support from John Smith's to continue their development as an amateur jockey.

The 2008 People's Race was won by Clare Twemlow, an accountant from Newmarket who rode to victory for Direct Aid for Africa.