HELLO! Magazine

Judy Wade - May 2008 - 01/05/2008

MIKE TINDALL - UNBRIDLED NEW PASSION SETS HIS HEART RACING

Rugby made his name, now racing's also his game. Mike Tindall may be sitting on the sidelines while he recovers from broken ribs and a damaged liver suffered during England's Six Nations defeat by Wales, but he has found another sport that's less hazardous.

Zara Phillips' other half has a new love in his life, a three-year-old thoroughbred called Collection.

Mike, 29, has joined a syndicate organised by the elite Highclere Thoroughbred Racing run by The Hon. Harry Herbert. His new acquisition is currently in training with Newmarket-based William Haggas.

"As a sportsman, I'm fully aware of the work I have to put in to perform to the best of my ability, so it's fascinating watching William and Harry make key decisions to get the horse as fit as he can be" says the England centre.

Mike recently drove up to Suffolk to see his new horse go through its paces out on the gallops - and by the end of the session, the pair were horsing around like old friends.

Collection made a promising start last season, winning at Newcastle on only his second outing. Mike now feels he is part-owner of a real winner.

"It's been brilliant seeing Collection train - now I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action on the racetrack" Mike says. "Roll on April which is when he's due to race at Doncaster."

This is not Mike's first foray on to turf. He has also had success with another horse called Appointment.

His girlfriend, on the other hand, hasn't been so lucky. She bought her own racehorse, Manor Down, some years ago, but after trying to turn him into an eventer without much success, is know keen to train him herself.

With racing being the sport of kings, Mike has much in common with Zara's grandmother The Queen - the most famous bloodstock owner and breeder in the land.