Victoria Pendleton has officially been bitten by the equine bug, as she now is the proud owner of her own horse.
Novice rider
The Olympic cycling gold medallist has been given the horse who took her from novice rider to amateur jockey.
Betfair originally bought the mare According To Sarah for Victoria to train on and contest her first point-to-point races, as she prepared for the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
The eight-year-old was presented to Victoria after she rode her in a ladies’ open race at Kimble in Buckinghamshire on Saturday (26 March).
Fallen in love
“She’s fallen in love with According To Sarah,” said Betfair’s Barry Orr. “She’s absolutely mad about the horse and we are making a present of her to Victoria and she will continue to ride her in point-to-points as she sees fit.”
The point-to-point race was Victoria’s first outing since she came fifth at Cheltenham, riding Pacha Du Polder. She led most of the way at Kimble, but pulled up two fences from home as the mare was struggling with the heavy going.
Exceeded expectations
Victoria plans to carry on riding in point-to-point races with her new horse and also hopes to ride in hunter chases. According to Sarah will stay in training with Alan Hill at his yard in Aston Rowant
“She’s completed the campaign in terms of the challenge we set out, but we will continue to have a relationship, for sure,” said Barry.”I think it’s fair to say it exceeded our expectations.”