A CHESHIRE plumber is jockeying for a place in the starting line-up at Aintree on Grand National day.

Michael Sweeney, 47, from Altrincham, beat off competition from 3,500 others to become one of 16 riders who are bidding to take on the famous course in a special John Smith's People's Race in front of an expected crowd of 70,000.

From the 16, only 10 will compete over six furlongs for é100,000 on April 14 with all the winnings going to charity.

The lucky 10 will be chosen next month after being put through their paces by a professional trainer. "The next few weeks are going to be really hard work but I'm looking forward to it" he said.

"We're supposed to do 16 days at a professional racing stable and I'll be spending a lot of time in the gym - I didn't realise how fit jockeys needed to be."

At 48 when the race takes place, Michael would be the oldest male competitor, but he believes his age could bring him luck. He said: "I think the oldest winner of a Grand National was 48 so hopefully that will be a good omen."

His chosen charity is Christie Hospital and he is hoping to raise funds for research there.

Getting through to the final and donning the silks would realise one of Michael's childhood ambitions.

He said: "As a kid we'd go to a farm in Ireland on holiday and I used to love riding the donkeys and horses.

"Unfortunately, a career as a jockey was never an option but I've been on horses at racing stables for two years now and, when this came up, I decided to go for it.

"It's the chance of a lifetime."

Fortunately for Michael and the other novice jockeys, there will be no jumps in the race - the daunting prospect of negotiating Becher's Brook will be left to the experts later in the afternoon. Tweet