HOLLIE DOYLE and Tom Marquand are the childhood sweethearts with a relationship pretty much unique in sport.
The loved-up pair are racing’s power couple and compete against each other day in, day out – before going home to argue over who does the dishes.
Racing is unusual in that women compete against men in the same races, for the same prizes and same money.
There is no denying that 2020 has belonged to 24-year-old Doyle, who is from Herefordshire.
She has reached the absolute pinnacle of the sport since she started riding out on ponies – which is where she first met 22-year-old boyfriend Tom.
The pair met as teenagers on the West Country pony racing circuit and have been together ever since.
They live together in Hungerford, Berkshire, from where they travel all over the world to compete in the world’s biggest races.
Their best moment together came at Ascot this year – when they combined to win four of the six races on British Champions Day.
Recalling what it was like after that history-making performance, Marquand said: “After racing, we got in the car and looked at each other and started laughing.
“It’s ridiculous really. You couldn’t have written the day any better. We are both so lucky to be in the position we’re in.
“Unintentionally, I guess, we’re pushing each other. We both have similar goals and things we want to achieve.
“We’ve got each other’s entire and full backing, which has to make a difference.”
Speaking of what it is like competing against each other, Marquand once said: “You just go out and ride and try not to flatten each other, that’s all, or you won’t be getting dinner that night.”
Of course, their crazy schedules mean they rarely get to enjoy much time together.
If they happen to be racing at the same course then time is spent with trainers, owners, doing media obligations or preparing in the weighing room.
Often, it is only on days off that they collapse onto the sofa for some quality time together.
Doyle told The Times: “We wouldn’t really come home and see each other to talk to.
“On Sundays we try to do something but we’re usually too knackered.”
Still, that has not dampened their competitive spirit.
Speaking of her man, Doyle told SunSport: “He’s a jammy bugger, isn’t he! He’s the only person I know who can go away for a few months to Australia and then come back and completely take off from where he was, if not do even better.
“He’s getting these big opportunities now and that’s what he deserves. He’s well capable and lots of the big trainers know that now.”
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