SIR Steve Redgrave's attempt to repeat his stunning Olypic triumph of five years ago fell just short when he got back on the water for a charity event on Saturday.

The five-time Olympic champion was re-united with the crew that he won gold with in Sydney in 2000 Sir Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell and Tim Foster.

But they could not match their famous triumph and ended up third behind crews from Slovenia and Italy.

Sir Steve, from Marlow Bottom, was taking part in the 500m event at Dorney Lake in Eton to raise money for the World Food Programme's Asian Tsunami Appeal.

The quartet had not raced together since their coxless four win in Australia that earned Sir Steve his place in the history books.

And they took on the same Italian, Australian, American, Slovenian and New Zealand crews that they beat on that occasion. They also used the same boat for the contest called the National Lottery Legends Sprint.

The race in 2000 saw the GB crew win gold by a margin of just 0.38 seconds ahead of the Italian crew and was watched by 6.6million viewers on BBC television.

To make a contribution to the Tsunami Appeal, call 0870 756 7979 or text the word DONATE to 81333.

For more information, go to www.steveredgrave.com