A TEENAGER who wants to be a professional jockey has been accepted into the British Racing School in Newmarket.

Andrew Yoxall, 16, has started a nine-week course, compulsory training for anyone in the world of horse racing.

Newmarket is one of only two places in the country that teach the course, the other being Doncaster. Andrew, who lives at Manor Crescent, Grimethorpe, is working for trainer Charlie McBride, and is hoping to get his racing licence before Christmas.

He was the first person to receive a grant from the Dickie Bird Foundation, which aims to develop sporting talent in families who may not be able to afford training or equipment.

Andrew said he was proficient in most of the riding skills he will learn on the course, but will benefit from teaching about horse nutrition and how to plait a horse's mane.

“I'm pleased to get into it. I wasn't meant to go until November but I managed to get on an earlier course because someone dropped out.

“It’s helped a lot, because I wouldn't have been able to apply for my racing licence until February. “I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be a different experience.”

Dickie said he was delighted and it was great news for Andrew and the foundation.

He added: “He's got the right attitude. He mucks out at his stables and he used to work at 4.30am before school.

“He wants to succeed and I think he will. If he keeps his weight down he'll go all the way.”