32 in with a chance to ride at Aintree on Grand National Day

The final 32 includes two publicans, a postman, an auctioneer, a solicitor, a farmer and a handbag designer as well as two riding instructors and an equine sports physiotherapist. They applied with thousands of other Aintree hopefuls to take part in the 2009 John Smith's People's Race on April 4; an event that gives 10 members of the public the chance to ride in a 9-furlong charity amateur flat race on one of the most prestigious days in the racing calendar.

Next stop is a gruelling assessment of their fitness and riding skills at either the Northern Racing College, Doncaster or the British Racing School, Newmarket in mid-January in a bid to win a place in training for the third John Smith's People's Race.

Speaking about the challenge, William Barker, a JCB driver and would-be jockey from Whitby, North Yorkshire, said: "This is the third time lucky for me as I have applied for the last 2 years. The possibility of riding at Aintree is something to really look forward to in 2009 and I will do everything I can to help me get there."

After the first stage selection, 16 'apprentice jockeys' will be selected to go forward to the second stage of the race which will involve extensive coaching with some of the country's leading race horse trainers before the field is finally whittled down to the 'Aintree 10'. Along the way, riders will need to convince a panel of experts, including former Grand National winner Mick Fitzgerald and BBC Racing presenter Clare Balding that they are ready to meet the daunting challenge that awaits them at Aintree.

Each of the riders taking part in the race will collect £5,000 for their chosen charity with the winner receiving £50,000 for their charity plus the added incentive of a five-star trip for two to Dubai for racing's 2010 World Cup or support from John Smith's to continue their development as an amateur jockey.

The 2008 People's Race was won by Clare Twemlow, an accountant from Newmarket who rode to victory for Direct Aid for Africa. Clare has since taken out an amateur licence and recently made her debut over hurdles at Taunton finishing a respectable fourth.

Gareth Turner, Senior Brand Manager - Ale, at John Smith's brand owner Scottish & Newcastle UK, said: "In less than 3 years, the John Smith's People's Race has become one of the most talked about events in the amateur sporting calendar. Thousands of people applied for this year's event - from all over the UK and from so many different walks of life - and the quality of applicants suggests that the 2009 People's Race will be the best yet.

With this in mind, we will be working with our partner racing schools at Newmarket and Doncaster to enhance their training schedules by including more assessment and training days and our novice riders will spend more 'quality time' at professional racing yards. Selecting the final 32 was a difficult decision for our expert panel but the hard work for riders won't begin until January when they begin the rigorous training regime they must successfully complete if they are to live their amazing Aintree dream."

For more information on the race and the 32 competitors, please visit www.peoplesrace.com