Trainer Appleby was delighted after recording his first 2,000 Guineas win
Horse Racing1 month ago
Hollie Doyle became the first female jockey to win a French classic race when she rode favourite Nashwa to victory in the French Oaks (Prix de Diane) at Chantilly on Sunday.
The 25-year-old English jockey had finished third on Nashwa in the Epsom Oaks earlier this month but made no mistake this time riding a brilliant race to prevail.
She has long been seen as flat racing’s equivalent of Irish jumps jockey Rachael Blackmore, who made history in being the first female rider to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022) and the Grand National (2021).
Doyle was congratulated by her fellow jockey and husband Tom Marquand — who finished seventh on Zellie — after passing the post but the winning rider refused to get swept up in what she had achieved.
“I am just priviliged to be in this position,” she said. “It’s such a prestigious race and this is a huge honour. I would not be sitting on this classy filly but for Imad al Sagar (the owner) asking me to ride for him in 2020.”
Doyle grinned when it was suggested that she was as much a star as Nashwa.
“I don’t know about that!”
It was left to Nashwa’s trainer John Gosden — who shares the licence with his son Thady — to lavish praise on her.
“It is wonderful,” said Gosden. “She is a very talented rider. She’s very serious and principled but has a great sense of humour.
“She rode a very good race in what was a muddled contest.
“Full marks to Nashwa’s owner-breeder Imad Al Sagar, who asked me two years ago who he should pick, and I and other people said Hollie Doyle,” added the 71-year-old Englishman.
Trainer Appleby was delighted after recording his first 2,000 Guineas win
Horse Racing1 month ago
Godolphin handler saddles top two contenders in Native Trail and Coroebus
Horse Racing1 month ago
Goldspur made a sensational debut at Sandown last September
Horse Racing2 months ago
History augurs well for Native Trail who is 2-2 at the Rowley Mile track
Horse Racing2 months ago
Anamoe will bid to become the first three-year-old to win the Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Horse Racing2 months ago
Summer Is Tomorrow received a special invitation for the American Classic following his second-place finish to Japan's Crown Pride in the UAE Derby
Horse Racing2 months ago
The leader offers advice on how people can 'achieve the impossible'
Horse Racing3 months ago
Racing enthusiasts in the UAE and the Middle East are set to buy some of the best progeny in the world
Horse Racing3 months ago