Doyle Hits World Stage With Deirdre
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Photo: Hugh Routledge
Hollie Doyle pilots Glen Shiel to victory in the British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot
Hollie Doyle is hoping her recent success story at home can expand worldwide this month, including in Bahrain, where she has picked up the key ride on star Japanese mare Deirdre in their showpiece event, the £500,000 International Trophy.
Before that, the 23-year-old, who rode the 129th winner of her record-breaking campaign at Newmarket on Saturday, is set to jet off for a first ride at the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland, where she is to renew association with Mighty Gurkha in the Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) Nov. 6.
Doyle is on a roll even before she touches down in the US, having registered a first group 1 win on Glen Shiel in the QIPCO British Champions Sprint (G1) at Ascot last month, when she also bagged the group 2 Long Distance Cup on Trueshan.
Following her debut appearance at the Breeders' Cup, Doyle is set for another first, this time in the Gulf state of Bahrain on Deirdre, who will be aiming to bring her own career to a close on a high in the 10-furlong International Trophy.
A multiple Group 1 winner, Deirdre was last seen finishing eighth behind Sottsass in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), in which she was ridden by Jamie Spencer.
Doyle will become the 12th different jockey to partner Deirdre when she travels to Bahrain Nov. 20.
She said: "I was delighted to get the call-up to ride Deirdre and had a first sit on her in Newmarket on Saturday morning. She's a pretty popular horse in Japan and on her day she's very good.
"I've never ridden in Bahrain before and it's great to get the international recognition. The owner, Mr (Toji) Morita, contacted my agent direct and hopefully this will open other doors.
"She felt great on Saturday and connections seemed delighted with her, which is the main thing."
As for their chances in the International Trophy, which last year was won by the French-trained Royal Julius, Doyle said: "It looks the right race for her but it's difficult to know if the Arc has left its mark as it was a funny old race this year."