Two Years After Her Daughter's Birth, Doyle Back Riding

Jockey Sophie Doyle resumed riding at Churchill Downs May 19, marking her first mount beneath the twin spires since her daughter, Emilie, was born nearly two years ago.

The British-born Doyle first began riding in North America in 2011, and her career picked up momentum in 2014 and beyond. Teaming with trainer Larry Jones, she won the 2019 Cotillion Stakes (G1) aboard Street Band . Sister to accomplished European jockey James Doyle, she has 441 wins in North America.

Three months after the birth of her daughter, she wasted little time returning to the racetrack, breezing horses for her fiancé, trainer Chris Davis. She later worked as an outrider at Keeneland.

Doyle's expertise was crucial in preparing the John Ennis-trained Epic Ride  for the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1). She was his regular exercise rider at Churchill the week of the race. Epic Ride would finish 14th under jockey Adam Beschizza. 

This spring, Doyle has two wins from 13 rides, plus two seconds and one third. She's named to ride You Make Me Happy  May 25 at Churchill and other horses this week at Belterra Park and Presque Isle Downs. Her two victories this year came at Belterra.

"It's wonderful to be back here at Churchill Downs," Doyle said. "It's been almost two years since I've been back riding here. It was the first place I won a race when I began my career in North America and having Emilie beside me makes it even more special."