Hexham rider in the race to win £50,000

She has been selected for the next stage of the competition, where she will be assigned to a local professional trainer. Once there she will be put through an intensive personal training regime ahead of the big day.

The final assessment is held at the end of March when the "Aintree 10" will be chosen to go through to the People's Race on April 4.

If Holly makes the cut she will compete in front of a huge crowd at Aintree and a BBC television audience of millions.

And if she then scoops the top spot she will claim £50,000 for a charity of her choice.

Last night she said: "We are down to the final 16 and I've loved doing it.

"I think I thought it would just be a bit of fun.

"When I got involved there were thousands of people all going for it, and now there are just 16. It's very hard work though, I've been going to a gym in Hexham and it's incredibly hard work. I'm so, so excited no. I've got this far and I don't really want to give it up now."

Holly, who works at the Chesters Stud Farm in Chollerford, near Hexham, has been horse riding since she was three years old.

And she has spent the last few years grooming and rearing some of the country's finest race horses.

Each of the riders taking part in the race will collect £5,000 for their chosen charity with the winner receiving £50,000 for their charity.

The winner will also take home a five-star trip for two to Dubai for Racing's 2010 World Cup or support from John Smith's to continue their development as an amateur jockey.

Holly said: "It's quite incredible to be able to train with some of the horses at the stud farm I work at. I really love what I do."