Sam's on final furlong to his Aintree dream

AINTREE hopeful Sam Daniels is one step nearer his dream after making it to the last 16 riders from whom 10 will be selected to take part in Grand National Day.

The 23-year-old, of The Crescent, Cootham, near Storrington, was originally chosen from thousands to compete for the coveted places in the amateur charity flat race the John Smith's People's Race, organised by Aintree sponsor John Smith.

Sam is one of 16 novice riders '“ who include a publican, jeweller, care worker, trainee solicitor, nursery school manager and a student '“ who have been selected for the next stage of the competition, where he will be assigned to a local professional trainer to put him through an intensive personal training regime ahead of the big day.

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Sam had already made it through to a shortlist of 32 novice riders, who recently attended gruelling assessment days at the British Racing School in Newmarket.

People's Race Ambassador Clare Balding said: "I'm very impressed with the standard of riding this year and thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm which all of the candidates have demonstrated.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette February 4

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