Amateur jockey reveals list of his horror riding injuries as he takes on hardest race in the world at the Grand National
A MULTI-millionaire who bought a race horse so he could ride it in the Grand National has denied being a thrill-seeker — claiming: “I’m a boring middle-aged man who drives a Volvo because it’s safe.”
Amateur jockey David Maxwell, 45, bought Ain’t That A Shame to fulfil a “lifetime ambition” in front of 800million-plus people globally.
Despite the lavish purchase, the dad of two insisted he’s risk-averse, adding: “I just like horses.”
As he headed to Aintree for the three-day event, he revealed he was travelling straight from work and was still in his office attire.
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The property tycoon joked: “It’s certainly a case of going straight from suit to breeches!”
And he said: “I’m sure at some point enough will be enough but I just love it. Thankfully I have a very understanding wife and children.
“It’s a lifetime ambition to ride in the National. It is a testament to the sport that it’s actually allowed.”
Despite his cautious nature, he revealed he has suffered a raft of injuries from riding horses, including six concussions, punctured lungs, as well fracturing his spine four times.
He added: “I’ve also broken my jaw in six places and broken just about every rib.
“I’m sure at some point enough will be enough but I just love it.
“I’m not worried about injuring myself in the National because you never think you’ll fall off.
“Thankfully I have a very understanding wife and very understanding children.”