David wins big ride at Aintree
Black Country jeweller David Griffiths is hoping for a diamond result after being selected to race at Aintree on Grand National Day.
David, aged 25, whose family run a jewellers in Dudley, will take part in the John Smith's People's Race on April 4.
He is one of 10 amateur jockeys chosen to take part in the race with a £50,000 prize for the winner's chosen charity.
David, of Ombersley, near Kidderminster, had to attend a gruelling assessment day at the British Racing School in Newmarket before being told he had made it into the final 16 racers. He then had to wait with baited breath for weeks before being told he was one of the lucky 10 to be starting from the stalls.
"When I found out I had got in, the over-riding emotion was relief," said David, who has put his career as manager at the John Hollins jewellers in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, on hold to concentrate on riding full time.
He said: "If I hadn't made it, a lot of hard work would have gone to waste. I'm really excited about it and can't wait. I have put things on hold for the moment so that I can concentrate fully on riding. It's going well and I really enjoy it."
David, whose trainer is Dr Richard Newland, from Claines, near Worcester. has been a horse rider all his life but only started riding racehorses just over a year ago.
He said: "The race is held in aid of charity and all 10 riders get £5,000 for taking part to donate to their chosen charity.
"The winner will be given £50,000 for their charity.
"I have chosen to donate my money to two different charities – the Injured Jockey Fund and the Midland Air Ambulance."
David added: "I am focussing on the race now and training very hard. I am really looking forward to the big day."
