Victoria Pendleton finishes fifth on Cheltenham Festival debut as On The Fringe wins Foxhunter Challenge Cup
Pendleton made a late surge to finish fifth but the spoils went to Nina Carberry and reigning champion On The Fringe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Victoria Pendleton exceeded all expectations by finishing fifth on Pacha Du Polder in the St James's Place Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham.
Pendleton gave the Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old a very patient ride and was stone last for the first mile.
As the race began to evolve, Pendleton, a double Olympic cycling champion, began to move through the field with style.
Dependable in the jumping department, Pacha Du Polder was making lengths at some fences but turning into the straight Pendleton still had plenty of horses in front of her.
As Nina Carberry brought Enda Bolger's champion hunter On The Fringe (13-8 favourite) through to beat Marito by a neck, Pendleton stayed on strongly to complete an afternoon to remember.
Pendleton, whose mount earned £936 in prize-money for fifth, said: "I can't believe how nice the crowd has been, I'd like to thank Alan and Lawney Hill, Andy Stewart (owner) and Paul Nicholls, they've made this all possible.
"I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity.
"It's right up there with everything I've ever done, it's such a rush.
"Thank you to all the jockeys that have been involved today, they've all been so nice and I feel really lucky.
"I think it's one of the greatest achievements of my life, a special achievement."
Stewart is hoping the rules governing amateur licences will be changed in order to allow Pendleton another bite of the cherry over the Grand National fences in the Fox Hunters' Chase at Aintree.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "All the dissenters said she would fall off at the first, but I've had plenty of my jockeys fall off at the first. She got round nicely and the horse looked after her.
"I just hope the rules will be changed between the Category A and B licences so she can ride him at Aintree.
"As far as we are concerned, he will go to Aintree for the race he finished second in last year.
"She's got to have a couple more rides under Rules or the rules have got to be changed to ride at Aintree.
"What Victoria has done today is magnificent, she is a credit to the sport."
Results
1. On The Fringe (13/8F)
2. Marito (14/1)
3. Paint The Clouds (9/2)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments