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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.

Mr David Maxwell after winning the Virgin Bet Hunters Chase on Dolphin Square at Doncaster. 23/2/2022 Pic Steve Davies/Racingfotos.com THIS IMAGE IS SOURCED FROM AND MUST BE BYLINED "RACINGFOTOS.COM"
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Amateur jockey David Maxwell bought horse Ain't That A Shame to ride it in the Grand NationalCredit: RACINGFOTOS.COM
Horses from Gordon Elliott's stable on their way to the gallops ahead of day one of the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. Picture date: Thursday April 11, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story RACING Aintree. Photo credit should read: David Davies for The Jockey Club/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial Use only, commercial use is subject to prior permission from The Jockey Club/Aintree Racecourse.
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Riding at Aintree has been a 'lifetime ambition' of hisCredit: David Davies for The Jockey Club / PA Wire

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!”

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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.”

Glam Aintree guests pull out all the stops at the Grand National Festival with eye-popping dresses and towering stilettos
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