‘I’m not a bitter person at all’ – Hollie Doyle delighted for husband Tom Marquand despite having to watch Royal Ascot from the sofa
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Being forced to sit through the biggest meeting of the year while crocked on the sofa. It would normally be hell for a jockey, but Hollie Doyle has admitted she found the experience strangely cathartic – helped by watching husband Tom Marquand ride three winners.
Doyle is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and reveals the full shocking extent of her injuries in a remarkably candid interview in Sunday’s Racing Post.
The timing of the biggest setback in her career, just as the core summer season was about to crank into top gear, could not have been worse for Doyle, but she was helped by watching Marquand’s success through the week at Royal Ascot.
“It was hard sitting at home watching it but I get so much enjoyment out of watching Tom ride and win,” she said. “I’m not a bitter person and I loved that. He’s my husband and there will never be any jealousy there at all. I get a lot of satisfaction out of watching him and William Haggas’s horses win, because I know how much goes into it.
“I’d have been gutted to have missed a winner for Archie Watson, but I’d have loved for him to have had a Royal Ascot winner, even if I wasn’t on it, because I’m looking at the long term. We need a good season to help us have some nice two-year-olds next year when hopefully I’m back to ride. Archie has been great to me and I was willing his horses on.”
Hollie Doyle celebrates with Archie Watson after winning the King’s Stand Stakes on Bradsell in 2023Credit: Edward Whitaker
Doyle’s absence has also allowed her time to reflect on just what she has achieved during a career that has already seen her become Britain’s most successful female jockey of all time.
“Watching Ascot actually made me appreciate that I’ve done alright,” she added. “I’ve had six winners at Royal Ascot and, when you stand back and look at the bigger picture, you realise how hard it is to win there.
“It made me really appreciate the chances I’ve had. When you’re riding every day, you’re looking for more and more and you’re constantly pushing yourself. You don’t stop and look at what you’ve achieved. As a sportsperson, you’re always looking to the next thing, but this has made me reflect on how I’ve done alright over the last few years.”
Read more from Hollie Doyle in The Big Read, available in Sunday’s newspaper or online for Racing Post+ Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday.
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