He started in the fields of Sutherland – but has secured a place at one of the most prestigious horse racing venues in the world.
Dornoch Academy pupil Reece MacLeod has secured the first steps of training at the British Racing School in Newmarket.
The 16-year-old plans that the course will be the first step in joining a two-year apprenticeship to becoming a fully-fledged jockey in the future.
Reece said: “I’ve always been passionate about horses, just like everyone else in my family, so this is a dream come true for me.
“I’ve been involved with my family in showing horses as far back as I can remember, both locally and at national events such as the Blair Castle Horse Trials and the Royal Highland Show.
“Through the Employability Award I got help with finding out how to prepare my CV and then to make an application to the course.”
Praising the determination of the youngster, High Life Highland youth worker Yvonne Ross said: “The great thing about the Employability Award is that it supports young people to get experience of the kind of jobs they think they’d like to do.
“When we found out about Reeces’ passion for horses, we looked at various options that would allow him to do this – and the course in Newmarket came up trumps.”
The Employability Award, funded by the Sutherland Community Partnership, offers an introduction to the world of work for young people, leading to a certificate at the end of the course.
Throughout the award, young people develop skills and attitudes that will help them make a successful move into the job market.
Chief Inspector Iain MacLelland, chairman of Sutherland Community Partnership, said: “Reece’s story, and those of others like him, underlines the value of the Employability Award programme we have introduced for young people in Sutherland.
“I know I speak for all the team in the Sutherland Partnership and wider community in saying how delighted we have been able to support the Award, helping to introduce young people in a practical way to the world of work when they might otherwise be unsure about how to gain and sustain employment.
“I wish Reece all the best in pursuing his chosen career and look forward to hopefully seeing him in the Grand National one day. Who knows what lies ahead for him?”
