England cricketer Andrew Flintoff is eyeing success off the pitch - with his own namesake racehorse. The gelding, called Flintoff, is still seeking a maiden win after coming second at Carlisle on Wednesday.
But his part-owner Andrew, despite not being the world's biggest gambler, hopes the horse will run at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
"I'm not a big betting man. I don't mind spending money, but I hate losing it," said Flintoff.
The all-rounder watched the four-year-old in action at Carlisle, although the cricketer was on crutches following a recent ankle operation.
He has a half-share in the horse, who shaped well but found 40-1 shot Sotovik three and a half lengths too good in the bumper race.
Flintoff had finished fourth in his first race, and clearly shows some talent.
The cricketer part-owns the gelding with friend Paul Beck, who is one of the Lancashire cricket sponsors and also sponsors trainer Richard Guest's yard. "We had a day out at Nottingham races last year and it escalated from there," said Flintoff, whose Lancashire colleagues Warren Hegg and Glen Chapple were also at the races.
"Flintoff was actually a wedding present from Paul. His little lad, James, phoned me and asked if he could name the horse about six months ago, and I said fine.
"About three weeks ago I was in Johannesburg and the phone went and it was Paul saying 'fill the forms in - this is your wedding present. Half the horse'."
He added: "I have a little punt here and there, but nothing major.
"I'll try and sneak a day at the Cheltenham Festival."
MMIX
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