Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall joins Cheltenham racecourse committee

Zara Tindall, the Queen's oldest granddaughter, has been appointed to the Cheltenham racecourse committee by the Jockey Club.

The racehorse owner, world champion and Olympic silver medallist three-day eventer has been closely involved in her local racecourse, having been president of its 18-24 club.

The daughter of the Princess Royal, beginning her new role at the New Year's Day meeting, said: "Racing is simply the most exciting sport and it's open to all. I'm passionate about horseracing, particularly on the jumps side, and the absolute pinnacle of that is Cheltenham.

"It's an honour to have been asked by Martin St Quinton on behalf of the Jockey Club to get involved in a more formal capacity and I look forward to doing my bit to support the executive team in the years to come."

St Quinton, the new chairman of the racecourse and also of Gloucester rugby club, said: "Zara is a wonderful advocate for our sport and I'm delighted that she has agreed to join us at Cheltenham.

"I'm sure we will benefit significantly from her breadth of experience and a perspective that will prove invaluable to the racecourse."

Tindall, married to former England rugby captain Mike Tindall, is a regular visitor to her local course and has owned, bred and pre-trained several horses, including some with Martin Keighley.

She famously carried the London 2012 Olympic torch at the racecourse while riding her own world champion partner Toytown before winning team silver at the home games.

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