Oxfordshire host to race in John Smith's Grand National
An Oxfordshire licensee has been shortlisted from thousands of applicants to compete in the John Smith's People's Race at Aintree on Grand National day.
Frank Mahon, lessee at the Greyhound in the racing-mad village of Letcombe Regis, will learn if he makes the final cut following a two-day induction at the British Racing School in Newmarket this weekend.
Mahon has already been getting some practice on former Champion hurdle runner Mr Percy, which belongs to the stables a few hundred yards from the Greene King leasehold.
He said: "There is nothing required of me at the moment, but I'm currently spending at total of five hours every day in the gym or on the gallops. Trainer Derek Laverty has been really looking after me and was kind enough to give me use of Mr Percy."
The 1.2 mile People's Race was first held before last year's Grand National. It gives 10 ordinary members of the public the chance to experience the thrill of competing on Aintree's big day while raising money for charity.
John Smith's has allocated a £100,000 prize fund to the jockeys' nominated charities, with £50,000 going to the winner.
Mahon said his application was the result of a dare from some of his regulars, who will be packing the pub on 5 April - the day of the race. "If I make the race I'm confident I can go on to win it," he added.
And he will be in good company - local trainer Captain Tim Forster boasted three Grand National victories while former champion jump-jockey Graham Thorner lives in the village.
