Victoria Pendleton for second competitive ride

Victoria Pendleton: Beverley bound. Picture: PA

OLYMPIC cycling champion Victoria Pendleton is due to have her second competitive ride as a jockey at Beverley on Tuesday.

Pendleton, 34, will again partner the Lawney Hill-trained Royal Etiquette in the Betfair Supports Amateur Riders’ Handicap after making her debut aboard that horse at Ripon last month.

The eight-year-old gelding, who is owned by Hill’s husband, Alan, was beaten just a head behind 33-1 chance Jordaura on that occasion.

The Hill team has worked closely with Pendleton since the double Olympic champion embarked on a quest to become an amateur rider earlier this year, with a long-term goal of competing in the Foxhunter Chase at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival.

Her “Switching Saddles” project is in partnership with Betfair. The online bookmakers have provided the fledgling jockey with a team of specialists, including Team GB eventing performance manager Yogi Breisner.

Pendleton had her first raceday experience in the George Frewer Charity Race at Newbury in July when she finished eighth aboard the Hill-trained Mighty Mambo.

Britain’s most successful female Olympian then gained clearance to ride competitively at Ripon after she was awarded a Category A amateur riders’ licence at the end of last month following a two-day assessment at the British Racing School in Newmarket.

Pendleton said: “I’m really looking forward to riding at Beverley. These races really give me a chance to test myself against other amateur jockeys in preparation for Cheltenham in March.”