Former-Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton was denied a win on her debut ride as an amateur jockey aboard Royal Etiquette (14/1) at Ripon on Monday afternoon.
Pendleton finished second in the Betfair Novice Flat Amateur Riders' Handicap just beaten by the 33/1 shot Jordaura in a photo finish.
Her mount Royal Etiquette was slowly away from the stalls and was dropped in behind. But the very slow early pace meant Pendleton was quickly able to make her way to the head of the field. Turning for home she was actually battling for the lead with Chocolate Diamond and the pair was ahead of the field by five lengths with four furlongs remaining.
With three furlongs to go Pendleton and Royal Etiquette had a clear lead but the pack was closing. She was always battling for the lead but was headed on the line by Jordaura who came through late on to win.
Pendleton has the long term aim of riding in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next March,
