What happens when some British sports stars take on one of the fastest racehorses?

The Charlie Hills-trained Battaash is rated the best sprint horse in the world and is set to run on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot (20 October).

Having been calculated that the four-year-old son of Dark Angel ran 10 metres in an impressive 1.71 seconds, the challenge was set to the sports stars including top athlete Adam Gemili, former Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, rugby player Danny Care and Group One-winning jockey Oisin Murphy.

So would any of these tough athletes be able to trump the speed of this lightning-fast racehorse?

Impressively, the answer was yes. Albeit, no surprise that the runner was the one to take the title in a time of 1.47 seconds.

“It gave me a real sense of just how quick and powerful racehorses are,” said the victor Adam. “I’m delighted to beat Battaash’s time, but I’m not carrying a jockey or breaking out of the stalls in race.

“For a half tonne horse, like Battaash, to be able to cover 10 metres from a standing start in 1.71 seconds is pretty incredible. I’ve even more respect for the jockeys for staying on board during that acceleration.”

Oisin, who finished lower down the scoreboard in a time of 2.03 seconds, added: “I think my time demonstrates why I ride the horses and don’t actually sprint myself. As a jockey, you get used to travelling on board a horse at such speed, but it was really interesting to look at it from a different point of view and see how some of Britain’s top sports stars compared.”

Meanwhile, Victoria, who also had a spell in the saddle as a jockey, was surprised with her result, a time of 1.93 seconds, and said: “As a former track cycling sprinter, I thought I might have a bit of explosive speed to have a chance against some of the others but the time just goes so quickly.

“Having trained to be a jockey myself I’ve been lucky to work with lots of amazing racehorses, so I know how much power they generate. They are incredible creatures, hopefully today’s activity shows everyone how powerful they are.”

Rugby player Danny Care finished in a time of 1.88 seconds and added: “I never really appreciated how fast these champion horses went until I had to race against one.

“In rugby, it’s all about power and speed. I can’t imagine what it takes for a jockey — in terms of agility and strength — to stay on board when they’re travelling so quickly.”

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The 37-year-old Olympic cyclist-turned amateur jockey Victoria Pendleton featured in The Sunday Times Magazine’s long-standing ‘A Life in the Day’ series in yesterday’s edition (7 January 2017), revealing her complicated relationship with cycling — and why horses bring out the best in her.

Having won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and at the 2012 London Games, she retired from professional cycling and instead turned her efforts to race riding, having never sat on a horse before.

She proved the doubters wrong when she finished fifth in the St James’ Place Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham in March 2016, and now keeps two horses at livery — a chestnut mare called According To Sarah and a black gelding, Vesper.

“I spend the morning either schooling the horses or hacking them out. I’ll get them in [from] the field, groom them, tack them up, go for a ride, come back and wash them off. It feels really naughty and indulgent — I need to get a real job — but being around the horses is heaven,” she told The Sunday Times.

“I knew as soon as I started riding lessons in 2015 that that was it. I wish I’d started earlier, but I was kind of busy. When I jump and land well, I feel like I’ve eaten all the sweets in the sweet shop — I feel giddy-sick. But it makes me sad in some ways. Imagine if I had felt that excited about cycling?”

Continued below…

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton wins her first race as a jockey

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton secures her first victory in a hunter chase

Victoria has talked extensively in the past about the pressure of cycling at Olympic level.

“With the Olympics, winning a medal was very much expected. I went to Beijing and London knowing that I had a very good chance of winning. It was for me to lose, almost, but Cheltenham was wide open. I had just hoped to finish on the horse,” she said.

“It’s been a life of wearing different helmets. I worked hard at cycling, but it always felt like a stepping stone to the next thing. Back then, I dreamt of being chased, I was always running. I don’t dream so much now. When I have a couple of days away from the livery [yard], I dream about riding the horses.”

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The “Flat Boys” team, captained by Frankie Dettori, triumphed over Richard Johnson’s band of jump jockeys to win the Markel champions challenge — in aid of the Horse & Hound’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund — by a whopping 45.51 sec at Olympia, The London International Horse Show earlier today.

Trained by Scott Brash, Frankie’s team of Adam Kirby, Jamie Spencer, Jim Crowley and Bridget Andrews were clear winners over the Nick Skelton-backed side of Victoria Pendleton, Tom Scudamore, Sam Twiston-Davies and Harry Skelton.

“I had a very good team and I didn’t just come here to take part. I wanted to win,” said Frankie. “I think we’ll be able to dine out on this one for many days.”

AP McCoy, watching in the ring, had backed the jump jockeys as natural favourites to win the eight-fence “rescue relay”, but admitted “they’ve never done anything as complicated as this in their lives”.

“If they don’t get lost, they should have the advantage,” he said.

Adam Kirby, first out for the Flat Boys, happily hunted round to add just 3sec for a rail at the third fence. While Jamie Spencer saw a stride no-one else could see at fence six and demolished it, he made it safely through the finish with just one other down to add to the tally.

Jim Crowley made some time up on the clock with a good turn back to the fifth, but also added a 6sec penalty, while Bridget Andrews looked at home throughout a tidy round but had 9sec to add.

Last out for his team, Frankie led them in exemplary style — although the less sporting may have termed it “cheating” — when he produced a clear on a scopey bay showjumper he had borrowed from neighbour Tim Gredley.

“I don’t know his full name, but we call him Barry. He looked after me great,” Frankie said. “It’s very hard to find the balance but I went as fast as I could without knocking stuff over — I had a good horse.”

Continued below…

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Victoria Pendleton, first to go for the jump jockeys on a dependable grey, was certainly not rivaling her gold medal-winning cycling times, but did her trainer Nick proud as she produced the only other clear of the competition.

Richard Johnson, meanwhile, was seeing some steeplechasing strides and kept Nick on his toes as a brake failure saw him throw down the whip to make the handover. Once the baton was retrieved and he was able to get going, Tom Scudamore set off at speed only to have a run out at a red vertical. He successfully negotiated it at the second attempt — a feat which was unrelated to Nick standing in the gap next to the wing waving his arms.

Not learning from his team mate’s mistake, Sam Twiston-Davies followed suit and ducked out at the same fence, so it was left to Harry Skelton to redeem the side. He proved himself a chip off the block as he whizzed round the inside routes to just add 3sec at the penultimate fence.

“I actually thought I was a good jockey, but watching them go round no wonder I beat them!” AP ruefully observed.

The experience over the coloured poles further cemented Victoria’s conversion from two wheels to four legs.

“It’s something that makes me very happy — I almost feel sick sometimes, I love it so much,” she said. “I couldn’t have anticipated how much I love it, I think horses will be a part of my life forever.”

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Legends of the racing circuit will be revving up the engines on Friday night at Olympia as two teams — Flat jockeys versus their jumping rivals — prepare to go head-to-head in what is sure to be the fiercest competition of the week, the Markel Champions Challenge.

Two time Derby winner Frankie Dettori and Olympic cyclist-turned-jockey Victoria Pendleton are two of the 10 intrepid jockeys who will be entering the starting stalls on the night, raising money for H&H’s charity of the year the Injured Jockeys Fund as they battle it out in a duel over the coloured obstacles.

Both Frankie and Victoria are complete showjumping novices, however, so H&H went along to watch double Olympic gold medallist Nick Skelton put them through their paces in a brilliant lesson over the coloured poles. So what did they learn? Here are just some of the day’s highlights — who is your money on now?

1. Frankie needs to slow down — or he’ll end up in a hedge

Keen to get on with things, Frankie goes from 0mph to fast canter in a couple of strides. “Right, I’m off,” he says confidently.

Nick says: “Slow it down, Frankie, although that probably already feels like a walk to you. Sit and wait for the jump to come to you.”

Frankie is riding “long” — Nick helped show him what length stirrups he should be jumping in, compared with his very short riding position on the Flat.

“And representing Italy…” says Frankie as he whizzes past, before attempting another set of fences.

“Steady now,” warns Nick as they approach a double. Frankie doesn’t listen and almost ends up in the hedge.

Frankie sums up what he’s learned: “It’s so interesting to listen to Nick, who very kindly organized this day, because it’s been bred into my mind to always go as fast as I can from A to B. So the main thing I’ll take away from today is just to slow down — let the horse take me there, not me chasing the jump. But it’s very hard when all your life you’ve wanted to go flat out.”

2. Victoria, meanwhile, is learning the art of applying the leg — ‘I’ve never needed an accelerator before’

Victoria has been lent a lovely grey showjumper, who took part in the jockeys’ challenge in 2014. He proves the perfect schoolmaster for the cyclist who only took up riding 18 months ago to finish fifth in a race at Cheltenham.

“Nick told me I’ve got to use a bit more leg — I’m so used to having such short stirrups and having quite limited ability to apply the old legs,” she says. “I know it sounds crazy, but actually using the leg for control is something that’s very new to me. And asking the horse to bend round your leg, to use the leg to keep the horse out, to support the opposite side… these are all things that I’ve just learned, so they’re not automatic yet!

“And the showjumping horse responds very differently to a racehorse — I’ve now got an accelerator and a brake whereas on a racehorse you only have the brakes to deal with because you’re always going forwards. This horse today was waiting for me to tell him what to do and I was like ‘Oh yes, sorry!’”

3. Tim Gredley has leant Frankie a rather nice horse for the big day…

Frankie Dettori is perhaps one step ahead of the game, having sourced a very nice international showjumper from his Newmarket neighbour, Tim Gredley.

Unex Barrichello (“Barry” to his friends) is a 10-year-old Heartbreaker gelding, who has been jumping with Tim and his sister Polly — and we’d quite like to ride him, too.

“I hassled Tim for about a month — I said I’m showjumping at Olympia and I’m a fish out of water, you’ve got to lend me a horse,” says Frankie. “And that really helped because even if I looked like I knew what I was doing today, I had no clue. I’m not sure if the horse is used to competing in front of thousands of people, but we’ll soon find out!”

Frankie laughs as the gelding expertly chips in an extra stride coming into a line of fences — “He’s got me out of jail!”

To keep things fair, Harry Skelton, on the rival National Hunt team, has also been allowed to ride Unex Barrichello on the night.

“Otherwise, if we beat the other team, they’ll say it’s because I had the better horse,” says Frankie. “So I’ve got no excuses now and it’s all equal.”

The pair finish the lesson with a very nice clear round.

“I’m wasted on the Flat!” says Frankie.

3. Victoria is a great listener and very determined — ‘I’ll give it my all’

Victoria takes a tumble when her horse refuses and whips round at high speed, but clambers straight back on with added determination. You can see her taking in everything Nick says, clocking it, then putting it in to practice. Counting and seeing strides is a new concept for both riders, and Nick spends a lot of time helping Victoria to keep her horse straight as they jump.

“When he goes indoors he’ll be anticipating every turn so try to keep him straight,” says Nick, placing a pole, then himself, for guidance.

“Victoria has come on brilliantly and if Nick hadn’t said it was time to finish, she’d have been there all afternoon,” assesses Frankie.

“He’s sweet to say I’m doing a good job,” she replies. “The way I see it, it’s the same as with the race riding — I’m a complete novice, but I’ll be as prepared as I can be and whatever will be will be. I’m not going to underplay the way I’m going to approach it, because I’m going to give it my all. I’m making up for lost time anyway — I love it.”

4. Despite being champions in their respective fields, both found this new challenge daunting

“Driving over here, I thought, ‘What if I fall off?’ — not in terms of getting injured, I just didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of all these people!” says Frankie.

“Three years ago, I was asked to do it [the Markel Champions Challenge], but I chickened out. Then last year we went to Olympia with the kids just to watch and I loved it, so I volunteered this year!

“It’s for a great cause with the Injured Jockeys Fund and as [Flat jockey] Freddy Tylicki had a very bad accident a few weeks ago, we wanted to keep the ball rolling and support our sport — as well as having the opportunity to ride against Richard Johnson champion jockey and the others.”

5. It’s going to be hugely competitive on the night!

“Obviously the jump jockeys must have an advantage, but we all ride horses day-in, day-out, so we’re going to be as fit as them,” assesses Frankie. “So I do rate my team’s chances — we’ve all been competitive all our lives, so when we get in there and feel the crowd and the adrenalin takes over, I know what’s going to happen — we’re all going to be so competitive with each other. But at the end of the day it’s all about who jumps clear. I’m ready for the challenge though!”

Continued below…

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6. And the final word goes to… the legendary AP McCoy

The 20-time champion jockey was part of the winning jump jockeys’ team at Olympia in 2014 and was on hand at Nick’s to chip in with his own “useful” advice.

“I knew we’d find something you were good at doing at some point,” he said to Frankie with a grin, after he jumped a clear round over the full course of obstacles in Nick’s arena. “Now come on, do your star jump.”

And will we get to see the famous Frankie flying dismount on the night? You’d better start cheering on those Flat jockeys to find out…

The Markel Champions Challenge takes place at 6.45pm on Friday, 16 December, at the London International Horse Show at Olympia

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Victoria Pendleton made her reappearance on a racecourse a winning one in the Countryside Alliance’s charity race at Newmarket yesterday (23 June).

Riding the Lawney Hill-trained Royal Etiquette, Victoria, who lined up against seven other charity riders was delighted with the result: “It was amazing to win here today, and to be asked to take part in the race.”

“I hope the charity money raised will help many people access the countryside through the Countryside Alliance Foundation (TCAF) charities.

The TCAF administers three charities including Casting For Recovery, which offers healing fly-fishing retreats to ladies who have, or are recovering from breast cancer.

Victoria’s success follows news that a racehorse syndicate has also been named after her.

This week Highclere Thoroughbred Racing (HTR) announced it has launched nine syndicates named after well-known Olympians, who between them won 22 Olympic gold medals.

Sir Mark Todd is another equestrian representative on the list, which includes Sir Steve Redgrave, David Weir and Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Up to 20 shares will be available in each syndicate, and the horses are being trained by some of racing’s most prominent trainers including Sir Michael Stoute, John Gosden and Richard Hannon.

The syndicate horses will first be seen on a racecourse in 2017.

Related articles:

• Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton fifth in Cheltenham Foxhunter
• Sarah Jenkins: ‘no rider amounts to anything without the horse’
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Victoria said: “Horseracing and riding has become a real passion of mine so I am delighted to have a new Highclere syndicate in my name. I can’t wait to see how the horses progress over the next few years.”

The gold medal-winning Olympic cyclist made the headlines earlier this year when she finished in fifth place in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

As part of Betfair’s Switching Saddles Challenge, Victoria rode in her first ever charity race at Newbury on 2 July 2015, four months after she took on the challenge to switch from being a cyclist to become a jockey.

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Elite eventer Zara Tindall and 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy captain the teams for the inaugural Jockeys vs Olympic Legends polo match on 19 June.

The celebrity match takes place at the Beaufort Polo Club near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.

Zara said she is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve watched a bit of polo and played a couple of times in the past, so I know polo ponies are extremely responsive and very quick,” she said.

Joining her all-female ‘Olympic legends’ team is multi medal-winning dressage rider Laura Tomlinson, who should be able to get some tips from her professional polo playing husband, Mark.

The match will be the first for Olympic track cycling medallist now amateur jockey Victoria Pendleton, who recently tried her hand at polo alongside AP McCoy.

Heather Fell completes the line-up of Olympic legends. The modern pentathlete won a silver medal at the 2008 summer Olympics and finished that season ranked number one in the World.

She has also won multiple individual and British team medals on the European and world circuit.

“Polo is a difficult sport but great fun and I’m confident that the Olympic ladies will find our true competitive spirit and do ourselves proud,” said Zara Phillips.

AP heads the jockeys team

On the jockeys team AP McCoy is joined by John Francome, Richard Dunwoody, and Marcus Armytage, H&H’s racing columnist.

“I’ve ridden a fair few horses in my time, but I’ve only had a go at polo once and it wasn’t easy,” said AP McCoy.

Since retiring from competitive racing last year he has been playing golf so can hit a ball, but “it is a real challenge from the back of a horse”.

Continued below…

AP McCoy and Victoria Pendleton try polo – AP admits: ‘I chose the right career as a jockey’

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All the proceeds from the match and charity lunch will go to LAPResearch UK, the charity dedicated to research into diseases affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and biliary tree.

The charity match is at 3pm on Sunday 19 June, the second day of the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo at the Beaufort Polo Club in Westonbirt.

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AP McCoy was back in the saddle yesterday (9 May) to try his hand at polo.

The racing legend joined Victoria Pendleton and England rugby star Jonathan Joseph in a polo lesson as part of the Laureus King Power Polo Cup preview.

Tuition was given by King Power Foxes player Hugo Lewis — British Young Player of 2015.

AP enjoyed the session but said he thought he had “chosen the right career” in racing.

“I’ve spent my life around horses and today was a great experience, it was enjoyable to learn about the sport of polo and the skill required to compete at the highest level,” he said.

“I think I chose the right career as a jockey though!”

Laureus is a global organisation that aims to improve people’s lives through sport. It is made up of three branches — a world sports academy, “Sport for Good” and the Laureus World Sports Awards.

The organisation’s first patron was Nelson Mandela.

“It’s a privilege to be here today to support the work of Laureus Sport for Good, something I’m passionate about,” added the 20-time champion jockey.

Since its inception, Laureus has raised more than €100m (£78.77m) for projects to improve the lives of young people.

Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Victoria added: “I’m always looking to set myself new goals and challenge myself so learning polo was fun for me.

“I know how important the work Laureus Sport for Good does and it is an honour for me to be here to spread the message about the power sport has to improve the lives of young people around the world.”

Related articles:

• ‘Make the sacrifices, it’s worth it’: AP McCoy honoured with BBC award
• AP McCoy to help ex-racehorses find new careers
• Sir AP McCoy named as new Injured Jockeys Fund president

The Laureus King Power Polo Cup tournament, to be held on 16 June at Ham Polo Club in London, will raise funds for Fundación Laureus Argentina.

“This is a bit of a change from my usual Monday training session but learning from Hugo about polo has been amazing,” said Jonathan.

“The people who play the sport are incredibly talented.”

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Olympic cycling gold medallist turned amateur jockey Victoria Pendleton has joined the ranks of hundred of thousands of horse enthusiasts in the UK by becoming the proud owner of her first horse.

Victoria is now responsible for the eight-year-old chestnut mare, According To Sarah (pictured top), who was bought by Betfair to help her achieve her well-documented challenge of learning to ride so she could contest the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Betfair officially handed over ownership of the mare in a presentation that took place on Easter Saturday (26 March) at the Kimblewick Hunt point-to-point held at Kimble, Bucks.

Victoria had ridden the mare in the hunt members, subscribers and farmers race in her first appearance since finishing fifth at Cheltenham. The pair had disputed the lead for much of the race before dropping out of contention and pulling up two fences from home.

“She ran really well but she prefers good ground and after all the rain we’ve had it has softened up so she didn’t really like the going,” Victoria told H&H after the race.

“I feel so privileged to have been given the opportunity to ride such great horses and am thankful to everybody who has supported me. I am incredibly excited to become a horse owner myself for the first time,” enthused Pendleton, who is now taking a two week holiday to visit family in America.

“When I get back I hope to continue to ride in more point-to-points and perhaps some hunter chases,” she said.

Stephen Mault, the head of media, PR and sponsorship at Betfair, who was representing them at the meeting, said: “We wanted to thank Victoria for all her hard work and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to make the presentation.”

Asked what it was like to own a horse, Victoria said: “I expect it will be expensive and as we lost a shoe in that race I suppose that’s my first bill as an owner!”

Victoria will keep the horse in training with Alan Hill at his yard in Aston Rowant where she has been regularly riding out. The former champion point to point trainer and his wife Lawney – who have become mentors to Pendleton – have been instrumental in teaching her the skills required for competitive jump racing.

Continued below…

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton fifth in Cheltenham Foxhunter

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton wins her first race as a jockey

Victoria Pendleton finishes second on racing debut *VIDEO*

Hill enjoyed his most successful day ever as a trainer when saddling five winners on the six race card at Kimble. His son Joe was also celebrating by landing his first four-timer, aboard horses all trained by his father, including the winner of the race Victoria took part in where the 11-year-old Divine Folly came home in front.

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Having never sat on a horse a year ago, Victoria Pendleton successfully completed her “Switching Saddles” challenge this afternoon (Friday, 18 March) finishing fifth in the St James’ Place Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.

“It’s probably the greatest achievement of my life,” said Victoria, who was partnering the Paul Nicholls-trained Pacha Du Polder. “I’m overwhelmed and honoured.”

The race was won by Nina Carberry, who was celebrating back-to-back victories in the Foxhunter with Enda Bolger’s On The Fringe.

The 13/8 favourite On The Fringe (pictured, below) won by a neck from Marito with last year’s third Paint The Clouds coming home in the same position. In fourth was Current Event.

“It’s exciting, and it’s got a bit of everything — we’re not only clapping Nina on the back, but Victoria also,” said Enda. “It was a brilliant performance by both women and it gives the Foxhunter Chase a great lift.”

Nina has now won six races at The Festival and three Foxhunter Chases.

“I’m just so happy, so happy, I can’t believe it. I didn’t think I had a chance turning in, I was boxed in with nowhere to go. I was bit worried going to the second last and I needed a jump at the last and he winged them, he’s always there for you,” she said.

“He [Enda Bolger] is unbelievable for getting a horse right. He kept him for today and a spring campaign and he’s done a great job.”

She also applauded Victoria’s efforts.

“It’s the first time I’ve met her today and I think she’s great,” she said. “She’s got an unbelievable attitude to the whole thing and I’m delighted she got around — fifth place is a great achievement.

“She had a great horse to ride and look after her, and may she go onwards from here. She has the competitive edge and she loves it to bits.”

Victoria won her first race as a jockey at Wincanton earlier this month (2 March). .

It was only her second ride under Rules, after she was unseated from Pacha Du Polder at Fakenham last month (19 February).

After being unseated, Victoria received criticism, with some industry figures questioning whether she was ready for Cheltenham.

However, she proved doubters wrong today.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who has been working with Victoria ahead of the race, added: “Congratulations first to Nina Carberry, but for Victoria to finish fifth after all the publicity and people doubting her ability was superb. Believe you me, Team Ditcheat would not have let her go out there today if she was not ready. She has improved enormously and was brilliant today.

“She’s not won, but she’s ridden ‘a winner’ today in everyone’s eyes, and you saw the reaction from the crowd — it’s what the sport is all about.”

Related articles:

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Pacha Du Polder will now be aimed at the Aintree Fox Hunters’ Chase, but will be ridden by Will Biddick.

The run was part of her “Switching Saddles” campaign set up by Betfair last year.

Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge to start riding and secure an amateur jockeys licence.

The company wanted to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

Having never sat on a horse before last year, the ultimate aim was for Victoria to take part in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival. She has had training from experts including Yogi Breisner along the way.

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Victoria Pendleton is to ride in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival (18 March).

The decision was announced today (Monday, 7 March) that the double Olympic track cycling champion would complete her Betfair Switching Saddles challenge in the St James’s Place Foxhunter, having never sat on a horse little more than a year ago.

Victoria, 35, won her first race when successful on her intended Cheltenham mount Pacha Du Polder, trained by Paul Nicholls, in a hunter chase at Wincanton last Wednesday (3 March).

She confirmed that she will ride at the Festival at a press conference in London, flanked by her advisors, Yogi Breisner, the Team GB eventing performance manager, trainers Alan and Lawney Hill who have been providing her point-to-point rides, Barry Orr of the sponsors, and Paul.

“By no means was this an easy decision to make, and in fact I have been in complete turmoil over the last few weeks, and days, thinking about how I would tackle this situation, this wonderful opportunity,” she said.

“I wouldn’t have made the decision without the support of the experts around me who have been with me throughout this challenge.

“I appreciate it is not a decision that should be taken lightly. National Hunt racing is an extremely dangerous sport, there are lots of risks involved. But I feel I am capable of lining up and being part of that race as an amateur.”

Victoria has suffered a series of spills. The highest profile unseat occurred on her hunter chase debut at Fakenham last month, while on Saturday (6 March) at a point-to-point at Kingston Blount she came off after losing a iron between fences.

She added: “I would like to thank the jockeys who have supported me like AP McCoy, Aidan Coleman, Tom Scudamore. There have been though times and I really appreciate their positivity. They’ve helped me through that.

“The industry as a whole has been very supportive very welcoming, and it’s been a very, very difficult challenge but I’ve enjoyed every second of I and found a new passion to pursue in my life, so I feel very blessed.”

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Pacha Du Polder said: “From the start the courage and enthusiasm of Victoria has been to the fore, and the improvement from month to month has been absolutely incredible.

“In the beginning I was a little bit dubious about the whole thing, but to be fair to her she has improved so much I think now she is well ready for the challenge. Pacha Du Polder is absolutely the ideal horse. He’s a good jumper. He’s got lots of ability. He travels well, as you saw at Wincanton last week.

“The first time Victoria rode him in a point-to-point and she was beaten a head by Bryony Frost, and that day then I thought I’ve got no doubt about it. She rode very well.

“Fakenham was unfortunate. One of those things. A learning curve. But she picked herself up from that, came down and schooled him again, and you saw the result at Wincanton. I’m looking forward to next week.

“He’s a safe jumper, he probably better left-handed. We’re going to talk tactics next week but if we have a nice clear round, everything goes well, and he manages to finish fifth or sixth that will be a huge achievement in itself. Anything on top of that will be a bonus.”

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• Victoria Pendleton narrowly denied first point-to-point victory
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Victoria is under no illusions as to the task facing her in the Foxhunter, for which Pacha Du Polder is priced around 16-1.

“In terms of the pressure, being part of such a huge race, its the biggest even I’m going to compete in so far,” she said.

“I’m excited more than anything. For me to get him round would be incredible. Its a tough race and a big field so you have to bring that into consideration.

“If I get round on the horse and complete the course I’ll feel like that’s a gold medal.”

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Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton has won her first race as a jockey.

Victoria won by 29 lengths with the Paul Nicholls-trained Pacha Du Polder in a hunter chase at Wincanton this afternoon (Wednesday 2 March).

It was only her second ride under Rules, after she was unseated from Pacha Du Polder at Fakenham last month (19 February).

The pair, who were sent off 5-4 favourite today, made all the running and were ahead by around nine lengths coming to the last fence.

They finished well clear of Big Fella Thanks, while Blindling Lights was a further seven lengths behind in third.

A decision on whether she partners the nine-year-old gelding, owned by the Stewart Family, in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham on 18 March is to be made on Monday (7 March).

“It was fantastic,” she said. “I really just wanted a good round. I wanted to get round on the horse and give him a ride he deserved. I feel very honoured and lucky to be allowed to ride such a wonderful animal.

“I will do some more point-to-points and see what the experts around me decide and I will go with their choice. But I will definitely be riding for the rest of the season.”

The run was part of her “Switching Saddles” campaign set up by Betfair last year.

Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge to start riding and secure an amateur jockeys licence.

The company wanted to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

Having never sat on a horse before last year, the ultimate aim is for Victoria to take part in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival. She has had training from experts including Yogi Breisner along the way.

After being unseated at Fakenham Victoria received criticism, with some industry figures questioning whether she was ready for Cheltenham.

However, after today’s ride Paul Nicholls told Racing UK: “She jumped well and rode him well. She looked competent. We will all get together and make a decision early next week.”

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Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton is to take part in her first Hunter Chase this month, as she moves a step closer to competing in the Cheltenham Foxhunter.

Victoria has been riding in point-to-points this season and is now aiming at the 3m race at Fakenham on Friday 19 February.

Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge by Betfair last year to start riding and secure an amateur jockeys licence.

Having never sat on a horse before, the ultimate aim is for Victoria to take part in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham.

Victoria will be riding Pacha Du Polder, a former charge of champion trainer Paul Nicholls, at Fakenham.

“Should Victoria reach Cheltenham, her and Pacha Du Polder are more than capable of finishing in the first six,” Paul wrote in his Betfair blog.

“Victoria’s improvement since the challenge began is phenomenal.”

Victoria was narrowly denied her first point-to-point victory last month (31 January) when she was beaten by a head.

Victoria and Pacha Du Polder finished second from 12 runners at Milborne St Andrew in Dorset.

Victoria and the nine-year-old gelding, who is owned by the Stewart Family, took up the running with a circuit to go, but was caught on the line by Queens Bay, ridden by Bryony Frost.

“It’s hard to put into words how exciting the race to the line was. I owe a great deal to Pacha Du Polder, he gave me a great ride and it’s been a pleasure to get the chance to sit on a horse of his ability,” said Victoria at the time.

She pulled up in her most recent point-to-point outing, at Wadebridge with Working Title at the weekend, but now is aiming for the Hunter Chase.

“Fakenham is the logical target after their excellent debut together when they failed by inches to land a point-to-point at Milborne St Andrew,” added Paul.

“It is important for Victoria to gain experience in a Hunter Chase before considering a tilt at the ultimate challenge of riding in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham in March.

“Pacha Du Polder is a very classy chaser, a brilliant jumper, travels well in his races, has smart form over Aintree’s National fences and showed he stayed three miles at Milborne St Andrew.”

Related articles:

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“I wanted to be satisfied that Victoria was ready for Hunter Chases and I’d say she passed the examination with flying colours.

“She sits quietly on a horse, is tidy over a fence and unbelievably determined. She she now looks the part when she comes down to Ditcheat to ride on our gallops.”

In setting up the “Switching Saddles” challenge, Betfair wanted to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

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On many occasions in past columns I have put forward my views on the importance of marketing and PR in making point-to-pointing a public facing and sustainable sport. Overall I think we have made giant strides in recent years, adapting to a fast-paced digital age and offering access to a much broader audience.

However, I have throughout reserved judgement on Betfair’s “Switching Saddles” initiative, which has grabbed many media headlines and propelled our sport into the national spotlight like never seen before.

There have been many sceptics, plenty of critics, and lots of moans and groans from some quarters as Victoria Pendleton has swapped pedal power for horsepower, but putting all the newspaper articles and flashing cameras to one side, one cannot underestimate the scale of her challenge.

Yes, we would all like the backing of a multi-billion pound betting exchange (Betfair), riding lessons from Team GB’s Eventing Performance Manager (Yogi Breisner), and a couple of horses trained by one of the country’s most successful point-to-point yards (Alan and Lawney Hill), but even that does not guarantee success within the space of 12 months.

Furthermore, it certainly does not give you the courage and determination necessary to push half a tonne of thoroughbred to its physical limits in an amateur horse race.

‘Thoroughly engaged’

I recently met Victoria at Black Forest Lodge (17 January) where she rode Supreme Danehill, a horse formerly owned by my family and bought as a replacement for one of her originally intended mounts. A hardy horse that should be able to run regularly and give Victoria plenty of important experience, he is by no means a push-button ride.

Giving my opinion on how to ride him pre-race, I was struck by how thoroughly engaged Victoria was, taking on board my advice and subsequently executing it in a very accomplished manner. Yes, the horse did not win, but together they finished a creditable fourth (her first completion) and it was a step in the right direction towards her ultimate goal.

Victoria went a few places better at Milborne St Andrew on Sunday, narrowly beaten in a close finish. I am sure her first victory is imminent.

Victoria is undoubtedly on a very steep learning curve but, win, lose, or draw, you cannot knock her determination and positivity. A thoroughly likeable person, I wish her every success and, for the betterment of point-to-pointing, we should embrace the media bubble that follows her around, not seek to burst it.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 4 February 2016

Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton was narrowly denied her first point-to-point victory this weekend (31 January) when she was beaten by a head.

Victoria finished second from 12 runners at Milborne St Andrew in Dorset.

She was riding nine-year-old gelding Pacha Du Polder, owned by the Stewart Family.

Victoria and Pacha Du Polder took up the running with a circuit to go, but was caught on the line by Queens Bay, ridden by Bryony Frost.

“It’s hard to put into words how exciting the race to the line was. I owe a great deal to Pacha Du Polder, he gave me a great ride today and it’s been a pleasure to get the chance to sit on a horse of his ability,” said Victoria.

It was her seventh ride, and her best result so far.

Pacha Du Polder was formerly trained by National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls. The horse is now in training with Chloe Roddick in Somerset, and is Victoria’s potential mount for her Cheltenham Foxhunter debut in March.

The run was part of her “Switching Saddles” challenge set by Betfair last year.

Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge by Betfair last year to start riding and secure an amateur jockeys licence.

The company also wanted to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

Having never sat on a horse before last year, the ultimate aim is for Victoria to take part in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham.

“I would like to thank all involved with the support team Betfair have provided to help train me in this challenge, I now can’t wait for my next ride. It’s such a buzz,” said Victoria.

Barry Orr, of Betfair, added: “We are delighted for Victoria and today marks a significant step forward in her challenge. It was a competitive race to ride in, but she once again displayed a riding ability that belies her time in the saddle and highlights her dedication to the challenge.”

For full report don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 4 February.

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Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton is to ride two Alan Hill-trained horses as she embarks on her first point-to-point season as a jockey.

She will be riding Sedgemoor Express, a seven-year-old black gelding, and According To Sarah, a seven-year-old chestnut mare.

Earlier this year Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge by Betfair to start riding and secure an amateur jockey’s licence.

She has now ridden in two races under Rules and by March she is hoping to be ready to take part in the Foxhunter at Cheltenham.

Sedgemoor Express, previously trained by Nigel Hawke in Devon, was spotted at last month’s Doncaster sales.

He has won six times in his career, most recently at Wetherby in May, ridden by Tom Scudamore.

According to Sarah was formerly trained by Philip Hobbs in Somerset. She has raced 20 times under Rules, winning twice.

The two horses have been bought by the Betfair Racing Club.

Victoria will also have the opportunity to ride the former Paul Nicholls-trained racehorse Join Together.

Having never sat on a horse before the challenge began, she has now progressed to jumping thanks to guidance from eventing chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner.

“I am really excited about getting to know Sedgemoor Express and According To Sarah,” said Victoria.

“Since I first started on this journey with Betfair, Lawney and Alan Hill and Yogi Breisner, I’ve ridden a variety of horses.

“The ride that Mighty Mambo gave me in the charity race at Newbury will always be a special memory, similarly the rush of adrenaline I felt after finishing second on Royal Etiquette in my debut under rules at Ripon was an incredible feeling.

“I’m very lucky that I ride out at Woodway Farm under Lawney and Alan’s expert guidance as it allows me to ride a wide variety of horses, something I realise is a key if I am to progress in this incredibly demanding and ambitious challenge.”

Alan added: “It’s always fantastic to work with someone who has a very natural rapport with horses and Victoria is certainly that kind of person.

“She has always taken a keen interest in the welfare and care of the horses and that is important in our line of work. She has schooled Sedgemoor Express over fences and rode well, it’s clear she is already starting to bond with both horses.”

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Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton impressed racing fans yesterday (Monday 31 August), finishing second in her debut as an amateur jockey.

Victoria took part in a 1m2f amateur race at Ripon aboard the Lawney Hill-trained Royal Etiquette. The pair were narrowly beaten by just a head by 33-1 shot Jordaura, ridden by Tom Greenwood.

“Today was unique,” she said. “I didn’t expect to be out at the front or to place, I just wanted to finish safely.

“It’s given me confidence and I feel blessed to have been given this chance, I feel like a real jockey.”

The Olympic gold medal-winner, and nine-times world champion, took up riding in March as part of a challenge set by Betfair.

The aim was to secure a category A licence, and yesterday she took to the track for the first time in an amateur race.

Her first foray onto a racecourse was in July at Newbury, where she finished down the field.

The race at Ripon was much more successful with Victoria putting in a strong performance to finish second. She hit the front three-furlongs out on the eight-year-old gelding but was just caught in the finish.

The aim now is to ride in point-to-points from November with the ultimate goal of riding in the Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, has received intense training from British Eventing chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner. She’s also spent time at the British Racing School in Newmarket honing her skills.

In the past few months she has progressed from complete beginner to schooling and riding out with trainers including Paul Nicholls and Lawney Hill.

“It is an audacious challenge, but I want to push myself and I have enjoyed it so much so far. I have been overwhelmed with the support and I have faith in the people training me. I know Yogi wouldn’t take me to a level in training he didn’t think I was capable of,” Victoria told H&H earlier this year.

“I feel honoured to work with someone like Yogi, he’s so insightful of both horse and rider and has a very good way of delivering his coaching.”

Video courtesy of At The Races.

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Kiwi eventing legend Mark Todd and former top cyclist Victoria Pendleton will don jockey silks and take to the turf during tomorrow’s George Frewer Charity Race at Newbury racecourse (2 July).

The two Olympians, along with their nine rivals including former event rider Chris King and ex-point-to-point champion Mike Felton, will go head-to-head in the 1m5f race due off at 5.55pm.

Double Olympic gold medallist, Victoria, will be making her debut on a racecourse since revealing her challenge in March to go from top cyclist to jockey.

She has passed the required assessment of her riding and fitness at The British Racing School in Newmarket to allow her to ride in a competitive race. Her ultimate aim is to ride in the 2016 Cheltenham Foxhunter.

“It’s been four months since I partnered with Betfair and started to learn to ride,” said Victoria. “I’ve been training hard and working with a world-class team of experts — I am excited at the prospect of riding in a race, while feeling a bit nervous as well,” she added

The 34-year-old has been riding out at the Oxfordshire base of trainer Lawney Hill and is aboard the yard’s eight-year-old gelding Mighty Mambo for tomorrow’s contest.

“Victoria has been doing very well, riding out regularly, galloping and schooling the horses,” added Lawney. “We’ve been very happy with her progress and she’s putting everything into it — obviously she’s a true professional. After all the grind of the training you do to become an Olympic champion, I think she’s finding this refreshingly different,” she added.

Bookmakers Betfair currently have Victoria at 2/1 to finish in the top five.

The remaining line-up includes trainer Alan King’s personal assistant Charlotte Plunkett, Arabella Clegg, Thomas Benyon, Charlotte Pownall, Bobby Hall, Maisie Turner and Jacob Jelfs

The race, sponsored by the Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation, opens tomorrow’s Key4Life Charity Race Evening at the Berkshire racecourse.

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Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who is aiming on securing an amateur jockeys licence, is to tackle her first race next month.

The double Olympic gold medallist is to ride in a charity race at Newbury on 2 July. The race will held over 1m5f and Victoria will be up against 11 other riders.

Victoria started training to be a jockey earlier this year, after being approached by bookmakers Betfair. The aim is for her to ride in the Cheltenham Foxhunter next year.

She’s been having intense training over the past four months with British Eventing chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner, as well as eventers Chris King and Izzy Taylor.

“When I partnered with Betfair to switch saddles and become an amateur jockey, I knew it’d be one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced but I’ve already enjoyed so many exciting experiences,” she said.

“The first time I sat on a racehorse and didn’t fall off was a relief, the first time I cantered on the gallops was exhilarating and the first time I jumped in the riding school and schooled over brush fences were hugely satisfying and exciting steps for me.

“The past few months haven’t all been plain sailing though, getting initially used to and then learning to jump in a racing saddle was very different and challenging, and I’d be fibbing if I said I haven’t fallen off a few times along the way. But right now I’m just focussed on continuing my preparations for Newbury and I just can’t wait to line up there in four weeks time.”

Yogi added: “We decided that the charity flat race at Newbury was the best event for Victoria to get her first experience of race-riding for a number of reasons.

“The timing of Newbury’s charity event provided a challenging yet realistic target to aim for and the race is run at a distance of one and a half miles which is long enough to provide Victoria with an opportunity to take-in and learn from the unique experience of riding in a race. It’s a key milestone if we are to hit our target of Victoria successfully obtaining her Category A licence with a view to riding at Cheltenham next year.”

Don’t miss H&H’s exclusive interview with Victoria, in next week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 18 June.

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As an Olympic gold-medal winner and nine-times world champion, former cyclist Victoria Pendleton has been using her attributes as a top athlete to make the transition from two wheels to four — rather hairy — legs.

Nine weeks ago, Victoria, who retired from competitive cycling after London 2012, was set the challenge by Betfair to start riding and secure an amateur jockeys licence.

Having never sat on a horse before, she has now progressed to jumping thanks to guidance from Yogi Breisner and more recently para-dressage rider Tamsin Addison.

“It is an audacious challenge, but I want to push myself and I have enjoyed it so much so far. I have been overwhelmed with the support and I have faith in the people training me. I know Yogi wouldn’t take me to a level in training he didn’t think I was capable of,” said Victoria.

“I feel honoured to work with someone like Yogi, he’s so insightful of both horse and rider and has a very good way of delivering his coaching.”

Tamsin, who has Rio 2016 in her sights, has been assisting Victoria with the basic riding skills — understanding diagonals, striding and improving her seat.

“Victoria is so professional and is such a quick learner. She doesn’t just turn up and ride, she’s interested in the wider picture — why the boots and why the type of bit, for example,” said Tamsin.

“She’s very keen and focused, by the time she comes back the following week, she will have achieved what we were working on. She also has a great ability to laugh at herself.”

Victoria says she has been learning a lot from the para-dressage rider, who overcame bone cancer and had to re-grow the humerus bone in her upper arm.

“She is wonderful to work with and has also trained with Yogi, so I feel we are on the same page. I’m having to learn the basics of riding and race riding in parallels to each other,” added Victoria.

Victoria’s training regime also includes three days a week at the British Racing School in Newmarket — giving her an initial feel for riding racehorses, which she admits is “surreal”.

“They have a great range of horses there and I have been riding different horses all the time — they give great feedback,” said Victoria, who has invested in an Equicizer for her garage at home.

She has been riding everyday and on her “days off” from training has been hacking out, including with eventer Izzy Taylor’s mother, who has lent her the mount on her hunter, Miss Hazel.

“I have been cross-country schooling with Yogi and Izzy and had so much fun jumping small logs and some hedges,” she said.

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Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton, who revealed last month that she has set her sights on becoming an amateur jockey, has left the ground for the first time.

Victoria, who is Britain’s most successful female Olympian, is aiming at riding in Foxhunter at the Cheltenham Festival next season.

She is now a month into her training and has been riding every day under the eye of the British eventing team’s performance manager Yogi Breisner and champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls.

Victoria is now practicing with short stirrups and a racing saddle and has been training over small jumps. Despite having a couple of tumbles, she said her confidence has not been knocked and she’s so far ridden seven different horses in the past six weeks.

She said that riding has become a “huge part of my life”.

“It’s all I want to do when I wake up. We’ve begun to work with a racing saddle and are shortening the stirrups as we fast-track my progress,” added Victoria.

Yogi has earmarked some charity Flat races in early July for Victoria, but the World and Olympic champion said the next big goal will be regularly riding out at amateur jump yards.

“Betfair has provided me with the opportunity to do an intensive course at the British Racing School in Newmarket, which will round off my initial training period and hopefully put me in a position to begin riding out by June at the latest,” she explained.

Yogi Breisner added: “Victoria is exactly where we need her to be in our training plan. She’s a pleasure to work with, very keen to learn and has a lot of natural attributes that have helped massively in her swift development.”

Over the next 12 months Victoria will work towards obtaining a category A amateur licence — which will involve her riding in point-to-points with the aim of taking part in the Foxhunter in 2016.

The challenge has been set up by Betfair, to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

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Gold medal-winning Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton has taken up riding, with the aim of securing an amateur jockeys licence.

Victoria, who first sat on a horse just a week ago, has been receiving coaching from event rider Chris King, the British eventing team’s chef d’equipe Yogi Breisner and champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls.

If she succeeds, the plan is for her to ride in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next year.

“Victoria is a hugely talented, ambitious and gutsy individual, and these traits will stand her in the best stead possible for achieving this ambitious goal,” said Yogi.

“Having worked with her for a week, the progress she has already made in such a small amount of time is quite frankly remarkable. It’s a real privilege to work with Victoria on a challenge of this magnitude.”

Victoria said she had been looking for a “new and exciting challenge”.

“I’m motivated by the scale of the challenge and the opportunity to combine my love of horses with learning a new skill,” she added.

“The initial focus will be on getting me to a level whereby I am granted an amateur jockey licence, which is a significant challenge in itself given that I had never even sat on a horse until a week ago.”

Over the next 12 months she’ll work towards obtaining a Category A amateur licence — which will involve her riding in point-to-points with the aim of taking part in the Foxhunter in 2016.

The challenge has been set up by Betfair, to provide an “unexpected and entertaining perspective on horseracing, while also profiling the skills, athleticism and courage faced by jockeys every day”.

“While no one under estimates the scale of the challenge ahead, Victoria’s undoubted mental and physical strength, coupled with the team Betfair have put together to help her with this challenge, means we are in a fantastic position for Victoria to achieve the ambitious goal of riding at Cheltenham Festival in 2016,” added Yogi.

She will be riding out for trainer Paul Nicholls at his yard in Somerset and he will be helping her with the process.

“Victoria is an outstanding athlete with a real drive and determination, so while this is an incredibly difficult challenge, these attributes are exactly what you need to become a jockey,” he said.

“Having the competitive mind set of an Olympic champion, I’ve no doubt will put her in a great place to succeed in this challenge whilst also shining a much deserved light on the sport.”

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