I have been suckered in. I will be watching Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Victoria Pendleton riding in the 4.10 at Fakenham this afternoon. It's live on At the Races (Sky 415, Virgin 535) but more importantly from horse racing's point of view it will be covered by the mainstream broadcasters for their news and sports bulletins.
Pedleton is brave, maybe even foolhardy, because I am certain that an element of the interest is to see her make a hash of it. Riding in a steeplechase is a dangerous activity. Even the best jockeys fall off about 1 in every 13 rides, and it has to be the only profession where you are quite literally followed round by an ambulance as you go about your work.
Today's race is her first ride in a steeplechase under 'rules.' Her mount, Pacha Du Polder, is easily the best horse in the race - in cycling terms it is the equivalent of her riding a racing bike and all the other jockeys pedalling away on Raleigh Choppers. In short if she does not fall off she will win.
I hope it goes well but I fear it may end in tears.
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