Jamie finishes third in Aintree charity flat race

He was on board Royal Wedding, trained at Findon by Nick Gifford, and riding in the black and red spotted colours of owner Don Trangmar.

Jamie (26) was thrilled to finish in the frame, and as one of ten selected for the race from more than 3,000 contenders, he earned 5,000 for his chosen charity, St Barnabas House Hospice, Worthing.

He said after the race:"We were all extremely nervous before the race but there was good banter in the weighing room with professional jockeys such as Ruby Walsh having a laugh with us making us feel relaxed when we were getting changed.

"The race was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. My horse was catching up near the end, I just needed a longer distance as I think we would have caught them. I'm really happy I came third, as entering the winners enclosure was the best part.

"The crowd was shouting, with people I didn't even know calling me by name, shaking my hand, with some people saying they won money on me. Importantly 5000 will be donated for my charity which will help pay for the nurses and support their good work."

"I spoke to my trainer, Nick Gifford, this morning to see if I can keep riding out for him which he's more than happy for me to do. I think my racing days could be over though, as there is no way I could possibly beat riding at Aintree on Grand National Day with my family and thousands of people watching.

" My wife is due to give birth to our son in a few months so hopefully he will be inspired by his Dad riding in a flat race and we will be watching him ride in the Grand National in a few years time!"

The race winner was Clare Twenlow, an accountant from Newmarket, with Lynda Evans, a farmer from Pembrokeshire in second. Lynda was riding to raise money for the Cowfold-based Racehorse Sanctuary.