Former jeweller David Griffiths will be hoping for a gem of a ride at Aintree

An amateur jockey from Ombersley has been selected to ride in the People's Race on Grand National day at Aintree.

David Griffiths entered a competition before Christmas and has now progressed to the final after impressing judging panels at Newmarket and Doncaster.

"I'm thrilled and relieved that three months' hard work have paid off," the 25-year-old former jeweller told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I've never been there before, so it's going to be a whole new experience."

Griffiths, who has ridden since early childhood, began competing in point-to-points last year. And he has now turned to concentrating on horses full time, riding work for two local trainers, Alvechurch-based Ian Williams and Dr Richard Newland, at Claines.

I'm riding anything between four and seven horses a day Amateur rider David Griffiths

"I've been enjoying my riding so much that I came to the decision to give the jewellery a rest and have a go at riding for a bit," he said.

"I ride out at Richard Newland's every day then I also go up to Ian Williams and ride up there 2 or 3 times a week.

"I've also got my own horses at home too, so I'm riding anything between four and seven horses a day."

The nine-furlong John Smith's People's Race will see Griffiths up against another nine competition winners from all over the country.

It is due to be the first race on the card on Grand National day at Aintree (Saturday 4 April, 1240 GMT).

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