Hollie Doyle excited about another strong book of rides on QIPCO British Champions Day
Most of the talk around QIPCO British Champions Day has inevitably revolved around Frankie Dettori’s last day riding in Europe, but one weighing room colleague who will not mind spoiling his send-off is Hollie Doyle, who also has a great book of rides.
QIPCO British Champions Day holds a very special place among Doyle’s racing memories, and her record here could be about to get even better, with plum rides on her great favourites Trueshan (QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup) and Nashwa (Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – sponsored by QIPCO) backed up by live outside chances on Saint Lawrence (QIPCO British Champions Sprint) and Sweet Memories (QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares).
She said: “It was a crazy day three years ago when I won the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup on Trueshan and then had my first Group 1 win straight afterwards on Glen Shiel. It was one of the best days I’ve ever had, and then Tom (Marquand, now husband) had a double too, on Addeybb in the QIPCO Champion Stakes and Njord in the Balmoral Handicap, so that was really special.
“I’ve won again on Trueshan both years since, so it’s a day I obviously look forward to, and this year I’m lucky enough to have very good rides once again.”
Trueshan is aiming to extend his incredible record at QIPCO British Champions Day by becoming the first horse to win a race four times, having last year become the first to win a race on this day on three occasions.
On his final raceday in Europe and bidding for a farewell winner, QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame jockey Dettori will have live chances in the shape of favourites Kinross (QIPCO British Champions Sprint) and Free Wind (QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares), plus other strong contenders in Trawlerman (QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup), Chaldean (Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – sponsored by QIPCO) and King of Steel (QIPCO Champion Stakes).
Dettori said of Saturday: “It’s a premier raceday where we crown our Champions of the year and it will be my last day of riding in England. I don’t want to take the gloss of QIPCO British Champions Day, it coronates the best horses of the year – the best Fillies, Colts, Milers, Middle Distance and Long Distance horses.
“It will be very emotional, but I am set to have four or five decent rides on the day. So, I’ll try to keep my emotions in check until after my last ride, but obviously all my friends and family will be there. I’m sure I’ll shed a tear on the day, but at the moment I’m really trying to focus on the races and give my friends and family something to shout about on the day.”
Conditions at Ascot Racecourse are currently Soft on both the Straight Course and Round Course after 12.8mm rain overnight. Another 16-20mm is forecast between Thursday morning and Saturday which would likely prompt a switch to the Inner Flat Course. We are hoping to make a decision at some point on Friday. The Inner Flat Course is currently Good, Good to Soft in places.
