HOLLIE DOYLE’S odds of winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year have been slashed in half.
Bookies said the ‘beginnings of a gamble’ were taking place on the record-breaking jockey – whose fans and rivals have all been wearing ‘Vote Hollie’ hats on social media.
And they predicted her odds – currently as short as 11-1 from 33-1 – will keep falling before Sunday’s vote.
Doyle has been thrust into superstardom in 2020 and is the only woman on the list, headed by 1-3 favourite Lewis Hamilton.
But bookies said the surge of support from the racing community that preceded AP McCoy’s win in 2010 could be seen again.
Ladbrokes’ Jon Lees said: “It has become clear in the last few days that there is a campaign building behind Hollie Doyle.
“Today we have seen the beginnings of a gamble.
“We know from past experience how effectively racing can come together, as when Sir AP McCoy won the award ten years ago.
“Since the nominations were announced she has kept herself in the spotlight, becoming the first woman to ride a winner in at Hong Kong’s International Jockeys’ Championship and she is closing in on 150 winners for 2020.”
Doyle is now third favourite behind 7-1 snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan.
While heavyweight boxing champ Tyson Fury – who is taking legal action against the BBC to remove himself from the shortlist – can be backed at around 16-1.
Liverpool and England star Jordan Henderson, England cricketer Stuart Broad and motorbike rider Jonathan Rea complete the shortlist.
SPOTY will be aired at 8pm on Sunday night and voting will take place during the live show.
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