Victoria Pendleton has revealed that she was happy with eighth place on her debut as a jockey at Newbury on Thursday afternoon.

The former Olympic cycling champion had undergone several months of training in the build-up to the race, and despite failing to get into contention, the Bedfordshire athlete was content with her opening effort in the sport.

The 34-year-old is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "My aim was just to get through and not look out of place which I hope I did. I didn't fall off and I got to the end so I am pretty happy about that.

"The race all happened so quickly. I was really annoyed I was at the back on the wrong side when the flag went down. I know I can do more. My only fear was being run away with at the start and die a death coming into the straight."

Pendleton is hoping to feature in the Foxhunters' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.