John Smith's People's Race 2008 update

This week has seen the build-up to Aintree's Grand National meeting, which culminates with the Grand National itself on April 5th, slowly gaining momentum. In the forthcoming days we can also expect to see more media coverage of the rookie riders taking part in this year's John Smith's People's Race which will be run on the same day over a distance of nine furlongs. The John Smith's website now lists the final ten contestants and Ladbrokes are cunnningly tempting you with prices about the individuals concerned. As at this stage we don't know the names of the horses the contestants will be riding, I'd be wary about having a bet. Readers may remember that last year's 5/4 favourite, Instructor, decided to dump his rider, a plumber from Manchester, at the start; Paul Nicholls' Hoo La Baloo, ridden by Kevin Old, a 44 year old pawnbroker from Bournemouth, took full advantage to collect the spoils. It looks as though Ladbrokes have decided to take no chances this time around, shortening Jane Belcher from 3/1 in to 5/2 favourite - Jane, a 44 year old careworker from Bristol, is set to ride a horse from the Nicholls yard...