A TEENAGER who dreamed of riding in the Grand National has been killed in a tragic race horse accident.

Stable girl Rebecca Davies, 18, from Atherton, was dragged for quarter of a mile after her foot became hooked up in a stirrup while exercising one of trainer James Given's horses on the gallops.

Rebecca suffered extensive head and leg injuries in the accident on Tuesday morning and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Rebecca, whose parents Patricia and Barrington and sister Sophia live in Allenby Street, worked at stables near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire.

Former Canon Slade girl Rebecca graduated earlier this year from the British Racing School in Newmarket after completing a nine week foundation course, the first step to realising her ambition to be a National Hunt jockey.

Horse-mad since the age of 12 she began work with trainer Given in January when she was featured in the Journal. The trainer, who temporarily suspended racing his horses following the tragedy described Rebecca as "a model pupil in every respect".

He said: "Tragically, there was a freak accident on our gallops in which Rebecca lost her life. She was a much valued and liked member of our team. She will be greatly missed.

"We extend our greatest sympathy to her parents, sister and family."

Rebecca's mother travelled to Lincolnshire to identify her body.

Rebecca had worked for Mr Given for seven months. It was her first job in racing and she rented a cottage close to the yard. Mr Given said she was "a model pupil in every respect."

"She cared deeply for her horses and they won many best-turned-out prizes at the races. She most certainly had a bright future in racing.

"Our stable has had a very good season, but that's totally insignificant in the light of the tragic events today. "What happened is every rider's nightmare."

A police spokesman said the accident happened when a horse in front of Rebecca's mount fell and broke its leg.

"That spooked her horse which swerved and unseated her, " he said. "Her foot was caught and she was dragged over quarter of a mile."

Rebecca's colleagues at the 70-horse stable were in a state of shock and those who saw the accident too upset to talk about it.

One said: "There is a lot of grieving going on. Everyone is in utter shock."

Willoughton postmaster Brian Moore said the whole village was stunned by the tragedy.

"Everyone is in absolute shock. Becky was one of the most liked girls on the yard and was very popular in the village too."