Former Olympic, European and Commonwealth cycling champion Victoria Pendleton struck gold at a charity day held at Newmarket’s Adnams July Course.

Ely Standard: Pendelton strikes gold again at charity Newmarket racePendelton strikes gold again at charity Newmarket race (Image: Archant)

Miss Pendleton, who has recently embarked on a horse racing career, stormed to victory yesterday aboard Lawney Hill-trained Royal Etiquette in the Countryside Alliance Race for Repeal.

The flat charity race, which saw seven riders take part, opened the Newmarket Countryside Race Day.

Pendleton sped to victory on Royal Etiquette, the horse who won the same race last year.

During a post-event press conference, she said: “I felt a little pressure as he was the reigning champion, but I spoke to the jockey in the paddock and he said ‘stick on the rail and just after two out push him.

Ely Standard: Pendelton strikes gold again at charity Newmarket racePendelton strikes gold again at charity Newmarket race (Image: Archant)

“It was only a charity race, but I will take that.

“It was really good fun and I was glad I have been able to do something post-Cheltenham.”

Famously, Pendleton finished fifth aboard Pacha du Polder in the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham Festival earlier this year, having only sat on a racehorse in 2015.