David Cameron "probably" rode a horse which was lent by police to former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks, his spokeswoman said today.
The news is a dramatic backtrack from the PM’s earlier insistence he had never ridden the nag, named Raisa, in question.
Asked about the connection in an interview with Channel 5 News today, Mr Cameron said: "It's a matter of record that I have been riding with Rebekah Brooks' husband, Charlie Brooks.
"He is a friend of mine for 30 years standing and a neighbour in my constituency. But since I have been Prime Minister I think I have been on a horse once and it wasn't that one."
But this afternoon his spokeswoman revealed his mount may well have been Raisa, the ex-Scotland Yard horse that was stabled at the Brooks's Cotswolds home from 2008-10, and who has since sadly passed away.
She told the Telegraph: "It is possible. He used a number of Charlie's horses."
However Mr Cameron had "no recollection" of ever having ridden with the ex-tabloid editor herself and had not ridden with Mr Brooks since entering 10 Downing Street, she insisted.
She declined to disclose the identity of the horse to which Mr Cameron has admitted riding since sweeping to power with Nick Clegg.
Twitter users have been milking the equestrian theme for all its worth. Here are some of our favourite quips.