VICTORIA Pendleton will have her first ride since last week’s superb performance at Cheltenham when she lines up at the Kimblewick point-to-point tomorrow.
The Olympic cycling champion, who lives in Moreton, near Thame, will be aboard According To Sarah in the closing Hunt Race, hoping for her first win between the flags.
Her mount is trained by Aston Rowant handler Alan Hill, who looks set to have a profitable day.
Pendleton, who finished fifth on Pacha Du Polder in the Cheltenham Foxhunters, will be against stablemate Susannah Gill, on Minella Theatre.
“Both my two ladies are looking for their first win in points,” confirmed Hill.
“To win the Hunt Race is one of the most sought after prizes, because you’re racing against all your mates.”
The Hill yard may run a third in Divine Folly, while potential rivals include Tom Brockett’s Dunara Castle and 67-year-old Tim Underwood riding Kellystown Lad.
Hill trained a four-timer last year and three winners in 2015.
He looks to hold a strong hand again and admitted: “If I can walk out with three winners, I’d be very happy.”
His day starts with his recent Kingston Blount winner Brian’s Well in the Cub Cadet Confined Race.
“He doesn’t have a penalty and will like the course – he won here last year,” he said.
Hill will saddle Start Royal in the Ladies Open, a winner of 23 of his 41 races.
“This race has always been the major plan for the season.”
“Consigliere will try and defend his crown,” was Hill’s succinct comment about his likely runner in the Men’s Open, who – like Brians Well – won last time out at Kingston Blount.
“He’s got a seven pound penalty, but hopefully he’s capable of defying it.”
Hill has Velvet Cognac in the Subaru Restricted a qualifier for their final, a Hunter Chase at Stratford on 20th May.
The Open Maiden has attracted the biggest entry of the day and will see Hill relying on Pride Of Parish, although there is a doubt over whether he will get the trip.”
The course, which has a postcode of HP17 8TB, is south of Aylesbury on the B4009 and six miles from the A41.
The first race is at 1.00pm and entry is £25 or £35 per car.
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