Zara Tindall has offered an insight into the world of horse racing in a new ITV documentary.
Speaking on ITV’s Champions: Full Gallop, Princess Anne’s daughter, 43, spoke about why jockeys compete at the Cheltenham Festival, saying: “There’s a lot of hope when you come into Cheltenham, there’s a lot of dreams to try and achieve.”
The former world eventing champion has a successful career in the field and was the first member of the Royal Family to win an Olympic medal as part of Team Great Britain in 2012.
Her love of horses was passed down through the generations and her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, had a strong connection with horse racing.
Speaking on the show, Zara, who is married to former rugby star Mike Tindall, explained that when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival, being a competitor is actually easier than being a spectator.
In an interview for ITV’s Champion: Full Gallop, Zara Tindall (pictured) revealed her thoughts on the Cheltenham Festival
Known for her sporting prowess, Zara regularly attends equestrian events around the world, both as a formidable athlete when competing and a trendsetting fashionista when spectating.
He added: “I think it’s worse to watch than to drive, 100 percent because you have no control over it and you just sit back and let them get on with it.”
Zara’s illustrious equestrian career includes a gold medal at the European Eventing Championships in 2005 and a silver medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2006.
The love and passion for horses runs deep in the royal family, with the late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne learning to ride from an early age.
Zara has also previously been crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year and has been given the nickname ‘Royal Olympian’.
Champions: Full Gallop is described as horse racing’s answer to Drive to Survive, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at the popular sport.
In addition to Zara, other notable guests will also be in attendance, including Harry Cobden, Sean Bowen, Megan Nicholls and Ed Chamberlin.
The mother of three has enjoyed a successful career, winning a silver medal at the Olympics as part of Team Great Britain.
Zara, who is married to former rugby ace Mike Tindall, likely acquired her love of horses from her mother Princess Anne and grandmother Queen Elizabeth II (seen in Classicals Euro Star at Tweseldown Horse Trials, 2023)
This comes after Zara Tindall looked stunning in a yellow patterned ensemble when she was accompanied by husband Mike at Royal Ascot last month.
Princess Anne’s daughter, 43, showed off her fashion-forward best in a chic buttermilk-coloured button-down Masai dress by British designer Laura Green.
The elegant garment featured a pointed collar and puffed sleeves and had a belt that cinched Zara’s waist, showing off her sophisticated and slender figure.
Zara, known for sharing her mother’s love of equestrian sports, was all smiles as she toured the invitation-only Royal Enclosure at Berkshire Racecourse.
The mother of three looked every bit the royalty in a rattan-style hat, which she placed on the brim of her head and wore her shiny blonde hair in an elegant low bun.
She stepped out in Berkshire in pointed cream heels, holding sunglasses and the Sauvereign Aphrodite 220 bag in white calfskin.
Zara accessorized to the max, sporting several gold bracelets and a watch, along with diamond earrings.
Her husband, Mike Tindall, looked dapper, attending the races in a smart black top hat and a three-piece suit consisting of a smart white shirt, floral-embroidered tie, grey waistcoat and smart blazer.
The couple looked in high spirits and smiled as they took selfies with other racetrack-goers.
Speaking about the new documentary, Zara said watching the action is more stressful than competing.
They even shared an awkward moment with Queen Camilla, when her wide-brimmed headdress got in the way of the couple trying to greet her with a kiss.
King Charles, 75, and Camilla are proven racing fans and arrived at the Berkshire racecourse in the traditional carriage possession before the first race, along with Princess Anne, Peter Phillips and Lady Gabriella Windsor.
The late Queen was a passionate thoroughbred owner and breeder, and produced more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign.
In a joint entry in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: ‘It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her Late Majesty.
‘We wish all entrants this week the best of luck in their quest for that unique thrill of winning at Royal Ascot.
‘We also hope that those here at the racecourse and those watching from home will enjoy five days of the best racing the sport has to offer.’
Champions: Full Gallop will air on ITV1 at 9pm on Friday. Episodes two and three will be available to stream live on ITVX immediately afterwards.
