Jockey Jamie Moore is preparing for a race he will never forget.

The Brighton-born amateur jockey is barely old enough to make a bet himself but the hopes of thousands of part-time punters will be riding on his shoulders during Britain's most famous horse race.

At just 18, Jamie will be one of the youngest to take part the Grand National when he lines up this Saturday.

His achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact he needed to win five races in two meetings last week just to qualify.

Those tipping the teenager for the top of the sport were not surprised when he rode home first in all five - and one extra for good measure.

Jamie, who turned 18 in January, won three races at Haydock and another three at Plumpton.

He said: "I thought I had a chance because I was riding such good horses but it was a pretty big challenge.

"While I was riding I was just concentrating on winning each race individually and it was only when I won the last one that it really sunk in.

"I was really delighted. My dad spent 17 years racing and never had a ride in the Grand National and a lot of other jockeys have never had a chance.

"A lot of it depends on luck and I have got lucky."

Jamie's horse-mad family were also jumping for joy at his success.

His parents, Jayne and Gary, own Ingleside Racing Stables in Woodingdean, Brighton, while his brother, Ryan, 19, is a respected flat jockey.

Mrs Moore said: "The whole family is really excited. Jamie's wins last week were phenomenal and it is very rare to have an amateur rider in the Grand National these days."

Awkwardly for Mrs Moore, Jamie is not her only son involved in a big race on Saturday.

She said: "It is Brighton and Hove Primary School's cross country run in Stanmer Park.

"My 11-year-old Joshua is taking part and that is just as important to him as the Grand National is to Jamie.

"I don't know what to do!"

The Grand National is not for the faint hearted as the jockeys tackle the Aintree course's infamous and dangerous jumps, such as Beecher's Brook and The Chair.

She said: "I am a bit anxious but it is a fantastic opportunity for him and not something that you turn down.

"But I don't bet on any of my children as I'm a bit superstitious.

"I just want to see them get round and come back safely."

Those who do fancy a flutter on the former pupil of Cardinal Newman School, in Hove, should bear in mind he is trained by Martin Pipe, regarded by many to be the best in the business.

Mr Pipe is entering six horses in the National this year. Jamie will find out which one he will ride today.

He said: "Just to get round will be my main aim."