Victoria Pendleton takes on Olympia showjumping challenge
Fresh from her point-to-point challenge, Victoria Pendleton will now be turning her hand to showjumping.
The double Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist will be showing off her new skills at this year’s Olympia, The London International Horse Show (13-19 December) in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).
Victoria will jump on the evening of Friday 16 December for the Markel Champions Challenge.
She will be competing alongside the best in the racing world — the Flat jockey team will be captained by Frankie Dettori and the Jump jockey team will be captained by current National Hunt champion, Richard Johnson.
“I am thrilled to be a part of such a prestigious event like Olympia,” said Victoria.
“The Markel Champions Challenge will be an exciting competition with such a high calibre of jockeys and I’m really looking forward to riding in it.
“To be back involved in a team again and hear the excitement of the crowd will be immense, I just hope the jump jockeys can get over the line for the win!”
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Frankie’s team will comprise of himself, Jim Crowley, Hayley Turner, Adam Kirby and a fifth rider to be confirmed.
Richard’s team will comprise of himself, Victoria, Sam Twiston-Davies, Tom Scudamore and Harry Skelton.
The competition will see the five Flat jockeys competing against the five Jump jockeys over a showjumping course built by Bob Ellis.
Training from the best
Prior to the event, Victoria will undergo specialist training from showjumping legend Nick Skelton.
“The IJF is delighted to be involved in this fantastic event,” said Lisa Hancock, chief executive of the IJF.
“Not only will it be a lot of fun but it will help to raise awareness and crucial support for all injured jockeys and their families.”
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Juliet Redfern, Markel’s managing director of equine and livestock, added: “It is fantastic to see the return of the Markel Champions Challenge in aid of the IJF; Markel are proud to be associated with such a credible cause at a brilliant event.
“To see Victoria on board will be enormously inspiring to everyone, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish all the competitors the best of luck.”
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.