AMATEUR horse riders in Bolton are being given the chance to ride at the Grand National meeting at Aintree.

UK brewer Scottish and Newcastle is offering 10 people who have never raced before in their lives the opportunity to enter the 2009 John Smith’s People’s Race.

The successful rider will follow in the footsteps of Amanda Craven, from Liverpool, who took part in last year’s race. Not only did she fulfil a childhood ambition to compete as a jockey, but also the opportunity to ride out at Richard Ford’s yard in the run-up to the race, and earn funds for The Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This is the third year the charity amateur flat race is taking place and will see wannabe jockeys from all over the country follow the same format as the previous two years.

A shortlist of 32 riders will be invited to attend a gruelling riding and fitness assessment under the watchful eye of an expert panel, with a final cut of 16 earning the chance to progress to the next stage and benefit from the guidance of top racehorse trainers.

Months of training and hard work will culminate with 10 lucky finalists being chosen to ride at Aintree in their first competitive race in front of a huge TV audience and stadium crowd on Grand National Day, Saturday, April 4.

Julian Thick, managing director, Aintree Racecourse, said: “We are looking forward to giving 10 more members of the public the unique opportunity to ride at one of the world’s most famous racecourses on its biggest day of the year.”

People can apply at www.peoplesrace.com. Entrants must be over 21 and resident in Britain.

Closing date is December 5.