Lane Looks A Likely Lad For People's Glory

Alan Lane is aiming to prove a point when he takes the reins aboard Nortonthorpe Lad in the John Smith's People's Race at Aintree tomorrow.

Having remonstrated with jockeys as an armchair rider when watching the Grand National in the past, 23-year-old Lane will now find the spotlight firmly on him as he goes for gold in front of a packed grandstand this weekend.

Professionally, Pickering-based Lane works as a telephone engineer for his father's company but also does some part-time instructing at a pony club when he gets the chance.

His interest in horses helped push him to apply for the novelty nine-furlong event, but a much deeper reason inspired the decision to give it a go.

Recalling the initial application, Lane explained: 'We found an advert in the newspaper for the event and my friends told me I should do it.

'I said I would and then sobered up and started to think about it!

'But I actually lost my sister in a car crash in October. I used to sit down and watch the National and say I could do this and that. The last time I watched it with my sister she said if I could do it then I should just go and do it.

'So when I read about it I saw this as quite a big opportunity to prove to her that I really can do it ? that's what inspired me to go for it.'

Swapping smaller fry for thoroughbreds has not fazed Lane, who says the experience so far has gone as smoothly as he could have wished.

'I've been riding out at Tim Easterby's and I help teach his kids to ride so they keep winding me up and asking if I've fallen off yet,' he said.

'I've been there about four or five times a week ? as much as I can really ? but holidays have meant it's been a bit stop-start.

'It's gone really well though, so hopefully I'm fit and ready to go and I've been over to ride the horse I'm on at the weekend today (Nortonthorpe Lad).

'Mick Easterby, Tim's uncle, has supplied him and it went well so I'm pleased about that.'

Lane will share any prize money between the Alzheimer's Association and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, as he feels he owes both charities a great deal.

'The Alzheimer's Association means quite a lot to me as my grandmother is in the last stages of the disease,' he added.

'She'll watch the race but has little idea who we are now so that's really quite close to me.

'I'm also supporting the Air Ambulance as they airlifted my sister. Unfortunately it couldn't save her but it gave us four or five hours afterwards which enabled us all to say goodbye.

'That was obviously important so if I can get anything for them it would be amazing.'

Lane will certainly not lack support at Aintree, and while he is just hoping to enjoy the big occasion, he admits he is a competitive person with both eyes on the prize.

'There's two coachloads of people going to support. One is from the local pub, one from Bolton and a couple of cars from Lancaster and Manchester,' he said.

'There will be about 150 people just going to see me so that could be enough to get nervous ? there's plenty putting money on me too.

'It's always been an on-going joke with my family that I'm quite confident. The way I am means I get out of bed to win. I won't be there to finish second and my horse looks like he's up for it.

'I'm definitely up for it and I won't mind giving the others a bit of stick if it gives me a bit of a hand!'

(C) PA Sport