Although not normally a betting man, Obiter is tempted to put a monkey on trainee solicitor Simon Latchford’s first ride at Aintree on Saturday. Latchford, 29, has won the right to compete in the John Smith’s People’s Race on Grand National Day (see [2009] Gazette, 5 February, 31). The trainee (pictured) at Grimsby firm Bridge McFarland is one of just 10 riders selected from an opening field of 3,000 hopeful amateur jockeys. Latchford will receive at least £5,000 for his chosen charities, Riding for the Disabled and Kidney Research UK.