VICTORIA Pendleton pulled up two fences from the finish on her second ride in a point-to-point at Barbury Castle today.

After taking part in three races on the Flat earlier in the year, the double Olympic cycling champion made her debut in the point-to-point sphere when pulling up the Alan Hill-trained Minella Theatre at the second-last at Black Forest Lodge in Devon last weekend.

Pendleton and Hill teamed up once more in the three-mile AGA Ladies Open with According To Sarah, who reportedly jumped and travelled well for a long way before tiring.

Hill and his wife, Lawney, have worked closely with Pendleton since she 'switched saddles' - a project initiated by bookmakers Betfair - with the 35-year-old keen to compete in the Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Lawney Hill said: "Victoria had a great ride and was much more competitive than last week. Last week was all about getting round, but this time she was seeing strides at her fences and she rode really well - she didn't look like a novice at all.

"She jumped the mare off and settled her in behind before moving up. She probably led for about a circuit.

"The mare got tired and made one or two mistakes and Victoria sensibly pulled her up.

"It's a shame she didn't finish the race, but when they empty like that, you're on a hiding to nothing and she's come back buzzing."