British cyclist Victoria Pendleton has decided to make a switch to horse racing after a successful cycling career. Having won two Olympic gold medals with the cycle, the Englishwoman has set her sights on horse riding.
The former cyclist will be making her much-anticipated debut as an amateur jockey in July at Newbury. Her first race is expected to be at the George Frewer Charity Race on 2nd July.
Training five times a week for the past four months under the watchful eyes of an expert team, Pendleton, 34, has her eyes set on conquering the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next year.
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“Learning to jump in a racing saddle was very different and challenging”
The 34-year-old joked about not falling off the first time she sat on a race horse. She called this new experience of hers “hugely satisfying and exciting”.
“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,” said Pendleton.
“The first time I sat on a race horse 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.
“And of course starting to ride out with other jockeys at Lawney Hill’s yard was a really proud moment, and gave me a feeling of belonging. Although I have to say taking part in this charity race, back in a competitive environment, will probably top my other experiences on this journey to date.
“The last 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 focused on continuing my preparations for Newbury and I just can’t wait to line up there in four weeks’ time.”
Delighted Victoria has chosen Newbury: Clifton
Former event rider Chris King has helped her with non-racing equestrian skills while British Eventing Performance Manager and coach, Yogi Breisner has been her trainer and been scheduling her participation in races.
“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,” said Breisner.
“It’s a key milestone if we are to hit our target of Victoria successfully obtaining her licence with a view to riding at Cheltenham next year.”
Newbury’s head of communications, Andy Clifton, said that the race organizers are happy that Pendleton has chosen Newbury to make her racing debut.
“We are delighted Victoria and her team have chosen Newbury to take the latest significant step on the road to becoming a successful amateur jockey. I am sure her racing debut will create plenty of interest and we look forward to seeing one of the country’s most remarkable sportswomen in action,” said Clifton.
