VIDEO: Grand National date for Storrington stable lad

Stable lad Sam Daniels has been chosen as one of 16 novice riders to be put through an intensive training rgime ahead of the big day on April 4.

Sam, 23, said: "It has always been my ambition to become a proper jockey but I've never been able to get close to that level.

"This really is my one chance to experience my dream."

Aintree 10

The novice riders include a publican, jeweller, care worker, trainee solicitor, nursery school manager and a student.

They will be whittled down to the final "Aintree 10" who will race in the John Smith's People's Race, a one-mile one-furlong flat race, in front of a huge crowd and a BBC television audience of millions.

Sam, of The Crescent in Cootham, Storrington, started riding a Shetland pony aged two and has been around horses ever since.

Fantastic job

He said: "My job is to exercise horses and ride them out for trainers, wash and brush them.

"It's an absolutely fantastic job and I wouldn't want to do anything else but work with horses.

"When I saw an advert for the John Smith's People's Race I applied not thinking I stood a chance.

"When I heard I'd been selected and then got through to the final it was just the best thing ever."

Click on the green play button to see Sam in action.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Worthing news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]

Click here for the Herald staff directory.

Want to read this page in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu or 48 other languages? click here for Google translate.