This sport business, it can break your heart.
Before the 2017 festival, no female jockey had competed in the Gold Cup in 33 years.
Linda Sheedy became the first female jockey to compete in the prestigious race in 1984, but she was a rank outsider and didn’t finish the race.
Most bookmakers gave Lizzie Kelly on Tea for Two a shot at not only making history in Cheltenham, but also finishing in the top four. The stage was set for her on Friday.
Lizzie Kelly ready to make history on Tea For Two. No female jockey has ever got round in the #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/U9uy5zpoNA
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 17, 2017
However, once the race was over there was a distinct lack of Tea for Two on the leaderboard.
Jessica Harrington-trained horse Sizing John took the top spot with Minella Rocco and Native River taking second and third respectively. Unfortunately, for Kelly, her race ended very early.
Two fences in, it was all over for the 23-year-old. A big shock with Tea for Two falling to the ground.
The photos that emerged after the race illustrated the devastation perfectly.
Sport is all about triumph and despair… you had to feel for Lizzie Kelly as Tea For Two fell early in the #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/1DCMBfKA5e
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 17, 2017
It's a long walk back for Lizzie Kelly … #GoldCup pic.twitter.com/M5F9hbNGDA
— Geoffrey Riddle (@Louchepunter) March 17, 2017
