Hollie Doyle drawing inspiration from Rachael Blackmore in quest to make history in British Classic
Hollie Doyle says she is taking inspiration from Jumps counterpart Rachael Blackmore as she seeks to make history as the first female winner of a British Classic in Friday’s Cazoo Oaks.
Doyle, who rides second-favourite Nashwa for father and son trainer duo John and Thady Gosden in the Epsom showpiece, has been a trailblazer on the Flat in recent seasons, twice smashing the record for most wins in a season by a female rider and becoming the first to score on British Champions Day at Ascot.
The 25-year-old also has Royal Ascot success on her CV and last year won the Group 1 Goodwood Cup but is yet to claim her first Classic success.
Victory at the Surrey track on Saturday would mark an historic moment for the sport, following on from Blackmore’s Grand National triumph on Minella Times last year, with the Irishwoman having since become the first female rider to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup as well.
"It would be an absolute dream come true,” Doyle said. “You’re always looking to progress throughout your career and it would be another box ticked,.
"Like Rachael Blackmore winning the Grand National, winning a British Classic is something I dream of doing over the next 10 years or so, so if it could happen on Friday it would be great.
"Look at the reaction there was when Rachael won the Grand National. It’s one of the toughest horse races in the world to win and she did that, so if I could win a British Classic it would be a dream come true for me personally and could hopefully inspire other women to get into the sport.
"It’s a great opportunity to get a ride with a live chance."
