Oxfordshire trainer Lawney Hill is optimistic Victoria Pendleton can take another step in the right direction when she is reunited with Royal Etiquette at Beverley tonight.

The Olympic cycling champion finished a close second aboard the Hill-trained eight-year-old at Ripon last month.

She has her second competitive ride as a jockey in the Betfair Supports Amateur Riders’ Handicap.

Hill has worked closely with Pendleton since the 34-year-old took up the challenge put forward by Betfair to become a jockey, with a long-term goal to compete in the Foxhunter Chase for amateur riders at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival.

She said: “I think it’s the most incredible challenge that Victoria is undertaking and I will never get tired talking about it.

“Victoria is definitely improving all the time and is gaining strength and condition in how she handles riding horses. Because she has improved so rapidly, some people are expecting such a lot so soon, but it’s still early in her development.

“I’ve never been to Beverley before but we are going there because we think it’s a suitable race for Victoria and Royal Etiquette.

“This will also be a different test for Victoria as, instead of novice amateurs, she will be up against fully-fledged amateurs.

“It’s just such an amazing thing that Victoria is doing, and I’m very proud she’s part of our team.”

Royal Etiquette is stepping up to a mile and a half.

Beverley chief executive Sally Iggulden said: “There is a real buzz around this race, and the people of East Yorkshire are really excited to see Victoria in action.”