Everyone's a winner as chosen few contest the People's Race

Published on Friday 4 April 2008 22:57

MOTHER of two Jaclyn Jamieson and shepherd Johnny Ferguson can't lose at Aintree on Grand National day – the Scottish pair have already tasted that winning feeling merely by earning their place as jockeys in today's People's Race.

Ten riders from all walks of life, hand-picked from thousands of hopeful applicants, will go to post at 12.40 for the John Smith's-sponsored contest, then hurtle along nine furlongs of Aintree's hallowed turf chasing a 50,000 first prize for their chosen charity.

For Jamieson, a 25-year-old fitness instructor from Dundee, and Ferguson, 40, who tends his flock near Bridge of Orchy, Argyll, it will be the experience of a lifetime and both are braced for the big-race butterflies.

After arriving at Aintree yesterday lunchtime, with Ladies' Day in full flow, the Scots riders immediately absorbed themselves in the buzz of excitement generated by racegoers at the three-day National meeting.

"I'm just trying to take it all in," said an awestruck Jamieson, who will partner Summer Soul in today's flat race. "There are a lot of women walking round in the most amazing dresses and outfits. But tomorrow it's all about the horses for us."

This time last year Jamieson, who has two daughters Abby, 4, and Lene, 2, was sitting in front of her television watching the BBC's Grand National coverage with her husband Gary. "I used to ride ponies but gave it up eight years ago, and when I saw the People's Race last year, I said 'Oh, that could be me', that would be the perfect way to get back in the saddle."

That night Jamieson registered online, and after a couple more rounds of applications, to her delight she learned in December that she had been selected for the final 32.

Half of the riders attended training at Newmarket, while Jamieson and Ferguson headed to Doncaster's Nothern Racing College to join another 14 more raw jockeys being put through their paces.

"I thought being a fitness instructor and having ridden horses before might give me an advantage, but not a bit of it. It was much harder work than I thought, really physically demanding," said Jamieson. "The horses are much stronger and faster and are the equine equivalent of Formula 1 cars."

Each of the riders was assigned a professional stable close to their home, and in Jamieson's case that meant a posting at Lucinda Russell's stable near Kinross.

"She taught me to ride at pony camp many moons ago and she has been absolutely fantastic with me as has her partner, the former champion jockey Peter Scudamore."

Fittingly, 6-1 chance Summer Soul is trained by Russell, and Jamieson is relishing the ride. "He's a little character and I've got to know him quite well. I pop into the stables to give him a carrott every day and he probably thinks to himself 'oh no, here she is again, it's her John Smith's jacket!"

Ferguson, meanwhile, has been learning race riding at Lucy Normile's Duncrievie yard, near Glenfarg. "I rode when I was a kid, but had given it up for 20 years," he explained. "I've always liked racing, and worked in a yard with Jean McGregor for a while, and got a form from Ladbrokes and applied. I was really chuffed when I was picked."

Ferguson will be riding Normile's Tycheros, in the green and white hooped colours of owners the Twentys Plenty syndicate. But he is coy on his chances. "About 10 per cent," he laughed. "I think I'm a bit of an outsider as there are a lot of good horses. Hopefully I won't be too nervous and will just enjoy the race."

Jamieson's mount has been chalked up as a 14-1 shot and is owned by the Tay Valley Chasers – a syndicate based at Perth racecourse – so there is a strong tartan flavour to the People's Race, while Justwhateverulike (25-1 outsider) is trained on the Border by Sandy Forster and ridden by Sheila Dickson, 41, a housewife from Cornhill-on-Tweed.

Each of the jockeys taking part in the race will collect 5,000 for their chosen charity, and the winner of the John Smith's People's Race will collect 50,000 for their charity and will win a five-star trip to Dubai for racing's 2009 World Cup.

It's not often the case in the cutthroat sport of horse racing, but this is one race where every participant really is a winner.

Grand National milestone years

10 YEARS AGO

1998: EARTH SUMMIT

Carl Llewellyn produced a masterful performance on the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained 7-1 favourite to run out an easy winner at Aintree.20 YEARS

1988: RHYME 'N' REASON

Brendan Powell steered this 10-1 shot to glory, despite almost crumpling at Becher's Brook.25 YEARS

1983: CORBIERE

Held off challenge of Irish favourite Greasepaint to make Jenny Pitman the first woman to train a Grand National winner. His odds were 13-1.40 YEARS

1968: RED ALLIGATOR

Red Alligator, came in at the old-fashioned odds of 100-7, ridden by Brian Fletcher – the most successful National jockey of his era, who also won in 1973 and 1974 on Red Rum. 50 YEARS

1958: MR WHAT

Impressive 18-1 shot won for jockey Arthur Freeman and Irish trainer and former National jockey Tom Taaffe. 100 YEARS

1908: RUBIO

Henry Bletsoe's mount won at 66-1, proving the bookmakers even had it good a century ago!