RACING sensation Hollie Doyle is up for the Saudi Cup.
After a blockbuster 2020 on and off the track, Doyle is hoping for another day in the sun as she takes aim at the world’s most valuable race.
She will partner Extra Elusive in the £14.3 million Saudi Cup this Saturday at Riyadh Racecourse.
The BBC SPOTY nominee knows the horse well, after partnering Roger Charlton’s six-year-old to win as part of a remarkable 899-1 five-timer at Windsor last season.
Doyle will also take part in the International Jockey’s Challenge on Friday up against some of the biggest names in the sport.
She said: “I’m really excited to be riding in Saudi. I’ve had a few international trips recently, including Hong Kong, America and Bahrain, and it’s great that I’m getting to go to these big meetings around the world.
“Competing in the jockey challenge events is really cool as you get to ride alongside some of the world’s top athletes.
“I’ve only been to some of these places for a short period of time but I’ve learnt a lot. That’s what will hopefully make me a better jockey and I’ll keep taking these opportunities with both hands.”
The 24-year-old rider enjoyed a remarkable 2020, riding her first Royal Ascot winner in June, first Group winner in July and first Group 1 success in October – a month that saw her shatter her own British record for a female jockey of 117 winners in a calendar year.
Doyle also became the first British female jockey to ride a five-timer in England, a winner on Champions Day at Ascot and a winner in Hong Kong.
She added: “Last year was unbelievable, and when you get a taste of success it makes you want it even more. I’ve now got even more drive and ambition to succeed in 2021.
“I’d be really excited about riding Extra Elusive in the Saudi Cup on the Saturday. The prize money goes all the way down to tenth so it would be great if he took his chance there and could get amongst it.
“I’d like to think he’ll handle the dirt as he goes well on slow ground here in England.
“I’m not sure how similar it would ride to a slow turf track, but I’d prefer to ride him on the dirt than I would on the turf as you’d imagine it will be slower. The Saudi Cup is only nine furlongs, and we know he stays further than that.
“I could have Albadri on the Saturday too, as I know Jane Chapple-Hyam is hoping to go for the Al Rajhi Bank Saudi Derby after his win at Southwell recently.
“He’s a lightly-raced horse that’s going the right way at the moment, but he’ll need to take another big step forward to get competitive.”
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