Zara Tindall getting deliveries 'everyday' in lockdown, says husband Mike
Zara Tindall’s husband has revealed she got deliveries “everyday” as she proved her competitive streak isn’t limited to racing by entering an art fundraising event.
Zara, 39, painted her former top horse Toytown to raise money for the NHS as part of a relief effort by equestrians in April.
Speaking as Royal Ascot got under way behind closed doors, she admitted to ITV’s Oli Bell that she was not happy his artwork had beaten her efforts as their entries were judged as part of Equestrian Relief.
She said: “It was a great challenge. Everyone really got into it, it was something we could really get involved in and try to do our part for the NHS.
“Unfortunately you beat me in the final standings for the art, but it was incredible, and we managed to raise over £250,000 for the NHS.”
Zara and her husband, former England rugby player Mike Tindall, got all dressed up to watch Royal Ascot from home, as the event when on without any spectators due to the pandemic.
Read more: Prince William reveals one of Prince George's favourite TV shows
Mike, 41, also revealed the extent of Zara’s hobby, saying: “It definitely took over her life, I’m not going to tell you how gutted she was when you beat her.
“Everyday there’s a new delivery of some different art supply and some different way of trying to get this painting right. She definitely put her all into it.
“She was a bit disappointed she didn’t win.”
Zara’s painting of Toytown, who accompanied her to a win the World Equestrian Games in 2006, fetched £5,700 in an online auction, while Bell’s painting, which won, fetched £2,650.
Dressed to impress, Zara & @miketindall13 virtually stopped by the #SocialStable and chatted charity with @olibellracing
Watch LIVE Now:
📺 @ITV & @itvhub
💻 https://t.co/8QDVIeRIbJ pic.twitter.com/tl4YmEe1fX— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 16, 2020
Mike confessed he was pleased that lockdown had prevented one of his charity efforts - as he revealed he was meant to be heading to the Alps for a six-day cycling trip at the end of June.
Instead of a 800km trip, he will be doing a local bike ride of 137km, though he will have to incorporate lots of climbing in too.
Zara and Mike live on the Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire, close to Zara’s mum Princess Anne, and her brother Peter Philips.
Read more: 17 joyous photos of the Queen smiling at Ascot
Zara is an Olympic winning equestrian and recently revealed she is pleased she has her horses with her in lockdown.
Her grandmother, the Queen, will also be missing out on Royal Ascot this year. It’s the first time in her 68-year reign that she has not attended the racing event.
But she still penned a letter for the racecards, wishing those attending a unique and enjoyable meeting.
