Double Olympian Pendleton fifth in amateurs' Gold Cup

Double London 2012 Olympic cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, who had never sat on a horse this time last year, finished fifth in the amateur Gold Cup - the Foxhunters Chase, on Friday.

On The Fringe, the 7-4 favourite ridden by Nina Carberry, won the 22-fence, three-mile two-furlong amateur chase around the Cheltenham course.

Pendleton's 25-1 Pacha Du Polder sat at the back of the 23-strong field for most of the race, happy to plug away down an inside line.

As the field strung out with On The Fringe pushing the pace, Pendleton started picking off runners and came through in a remarkable fifth place on her Paul Nicholls-trained horse.

"It's such a rush, such a thrill riding a thoroughbred over jumps," Pendleton said.

"To be accepted as part of this crowd has just been amazing. I think it's probably one of the greatest achievements of my life - and I hope it's not the last.

"I didn't know whether it was going to be possible."
Source: AFP