Victoria Pendleton preparing for Newbury jockey debut

Two-times Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton is planning to make her debut as an amateur rider at Newbury in July.

Despite being a total novice in the saddle, the 34-year-old announced in March she was training to become a jockey, with a long-term aim of competing in the Foxhunter Chase at next year's Cheltenham Festival.

We look forward to seeing one of the country's most remarkable sportswomen in action here at Newbury

Having undergone four months of intensive training, Pendleton has set her sights on the George Frewer Charity Race on July 2 as her intended debut.

She said: "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.

"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.

"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."

Eventing guru Yogi Breisner, who has provided Pendleton with expert tuition, said: "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."

Andy Clifton, Newbury's head of communications at Newbury Racecourse, added: "We are delighted that Victoria Pendleton and her team have chosen Newbury.

"I am sure that her racing debut will create plenty of interest and we look forward to seeing one of the country's most remarkable sportswomen in action here at Newbury."