A series of six programmes in which Esther Rantzen meets six talented people - all amateurs in their field - who are given a chance to take part in a spectacular event and meet the professionals. They go behind the scenes in the worlds of show business, journalism, music, fashion, haute cuisine and horse-racing.

This week Mrs Joan Barrow, a farmer's wife from the Cotswolds, goes into training for her first race under National Hunt rules. It is a dangerous and strenuous sport, and to prepare herself Joan meets Sue Horton, Peter O'Sullevan, Richard Pitman, Graham Thorner and David Nicholson, who advise her how to tackle The Big Time.