Hollie Doyle first female jockey to win a French Classic as Nashwa claims French Oaks
- Published
Doyle was named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2020
England's Hollie Doyle became the first female jockey to win a French Classic race with victory on Nashwa in the French Oaks at Chantilly on Sunday.
Doyle, 25, is also the first British woman to ride to Classic victory after triumphing on the filly, trained by John and Thady Gosden.
Favourite Nashwa won from La Parisienne with Rosacea third in the race, officially known as the Prix de Diane.
"I am just privileged to be in this position," said Doyle.
"It feels pretty good. I can't find the words to describe it really.
"I just expect a lot from myself and I don't want to let people down."
Doyle was congratulated by husband and fellow jockey Tom Marquand, who was seventh on Zellie in the race, which was first run in 1843.
"I think he was just as happy as I was. We are always delighted for each other," she said.
Doyle had become the first woman to be placed in a British Classic - elite races contested by the top three-year-old thoroughbreds - when she came third on Nashwa in the Oaks at Epsom earlier in the month.
Swiss jockey Sibylle Vogt was the first woman to ride to European Classic victory when winning the German 1,000 Guineas on Novembra last year.
Marquand congratulates Doyle - the couple married in March
Nashwa, a daughter of the legendary Frankel, was bred by owner Imad Alsagar, who retains Doyle as his number one jockey.
John Gosden hailed the rider, saying: "She's very talented.
"Imad asked me a few years ago about having a jockey and he showed me the list and I said 'Hollie Doyle'.
"I said 'horses run for her and she's very meticulous - a fabulous rider and a very serious person with a great sense of humour'.
"She's got a bundle of talent and Imad has been rewarded. This win should get on the front pages."
Doyle was third in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2020 after riding a Champions Day double at Ascot and partnering five winners at one Windsor meeting.
Last year, she broke her own record for the most winners in a calendar year for a British female jockey.
On Tuesday, Doyle recorded her third Royal Ascot success with victory on Bradsell in the Coventry Stakes.
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