A COUNTY Durham teenager has her sights set on a job with a top racing stable.

Katrina Rawe has always wanted to work with horses, but it was only when she came across the British Racing School's website that the idea of a career in horse racing dawned on her.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Frosterley, has ridden since the age of ten and owns three horses of her own.

She earned a place on the prestigious nine-week course at the racing school in Newmarket, where all trainees work towards a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship in Racehorse Care and are guaranteed a job on completion.

"I've worked harder than I ever thought possible, but it's well worth it in the end," she said. "The first two weeks were really tough, but you do get used to it.

"I have learned new skills, including a completely different technique of riding. It is an excellent course and is suitable for people who have not worked with horses before as you are taught from the basics."

Course instructor Tracey Denness rewarded her hard work by making her head girl.

When her course ends this month, Katrina has high hopes of a job in Middleham with leading trainer Mark Johnston, who said: "We have come to appreciate the benefit of proper training, both on and off the job. The British Racing School at Newmarket gives young people a good basic grounding on which we hope to build."

The fully residential courses are free to attend and anyone aged between 16-18 and under ten stone who is interested in taking up the programme should contact Sarah Hayde on 01638 665103.