Double Olympic champion, Victoria Pendleton, is set to make her debut as an amateur jockey at Newbury in the George Frewer Charity Race next month. It’s part of her longer term plan of taking part in the Foxhunter Chase at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Pendleton has been training for the past number of months at Lawney Hill’s Oxfordshire yard in preparation for her first race. She told The Guardian: “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.”
“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.”
A decision will be made on which horse she will ride on her debut within the next fortnight and she will line up as part of a field of 12 riders on Thursday, July 2.
After her debut, she plans to undergo a Catergory A Amateur licence course at the British Racing School, which she will need to compete at the Cheltenham Festival.
