Obiter has learned to be wary of horses, whether it comes to going near them or putting money on them. Not everybody, however, shares this caution. Trainee solicitor Simon Latchford (pictured) is one of 3,000 amateur jockeys who applied to compete in the John Smith’s People’s Race at Aintree on Grand National day. The nine-furlong flat contest is no walk around the paddock: three riders have been hospitalised in two years, Latchford says.

Only 10 of the applicants will race on the day, and Latchford, 29, of Grimsby firm Bridge McFarland, is on the shortlist of 32. If he does make the starting line he says his own safety will be the least of his worries: ‘I’ll be riding someone’s horse worth many thousands of pounds and I’m expected to return it in good working order.’ And then it will be back to the more pedestrian pleasures of his training contract. ‘I’m undecided whether to specialise in family law or join the firm’s new equine department.’ Perhaps he should try a spot of horse trading with the partners.