A TEENAGER could saddle up at Ascot, Aintree and Epsom after she was accepted into one of two jockey training centres in the UK.

Alicia Kingstone, 15, is under starters orders after earning a place at the British Racing School in Newmarket.

The facility has produced champions including Grand National winner Ryan Mania, leading flat horse racing jockey Paul Hanagan and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sam Thomas.

Alicia, of Lordswood Road, Colchester, has been obsessed with horses since the age of five and will trot off to the school in September next year, after finishing her GCSEs at St Benedict’s Catholic College.

Alicia first got involved in horseriding after the death of her father Robert when she was five and her mother Elaine said it had been ten years of hard work.

Elaine said: “After he passed away we were left a little bit of money and I had to decide whether to save it for when she was 18 or spend it then.

“I took the decision to spend it and got her a little pony – it all started from there.

“She has been riding horses since then and just worked her way up.”

Alicia has already done work experiences at stables in Newmarket.

Elaine said: “Last year, when she needed to do work experience at school, off her own back she arranged to spend some time with three top trainers.

“Her school have been so good with her, and so has my partner Chris who has helped her every step of the way.

“I am very proud but also very sad she is going away.

“This is more than a career for her, it is a dream, and could set her up for life.”

Alicia had to undergo a sixhour interview at the training centre and was one of 800-plus applicants for 200 places at the jockey school.

She said: “I feel really good and am really looking forward to it, but it is going to be strange to be so far away from home and to not have to rely on parents.

“My friends and family have been really supportive, all I ever talk about is hose riding or horse racing.”