Well-known as one-half of racing’s most famous couple, Hollie Doyle is no stranger to success on the big stage. Since exploding from the apprentice ranks, the 28-year-old rider has racked up Group class successes at an impressive rate. As such, her win aboard Brindavan in a Class 3 Handicap at Ascot on Saturday, 10th of May was little more than another day at the office for the wife of Tom Marquand.
However, whilst victory in that 0-88 handicap pales in comparison to the Classic wins and Group 1 victories on her CV, it did represent the 1,023rd win of her burgeoning career, a tally to be proud of for any rider. For Hollie Doyle, it moved her one clear of Hayley Turner to become the most successful female rider in the history of British racing – a fine achievement from one of the most talented and widely respected riders of her generation.
Racing in the Blood
Born to jockeys Mark and Caroline Doyle in 1996, Hollie was certainly bred for a life in the saddle. Soon displaying her talents on the pony racing scene, Hollie graduated from the British Racing School in 2013 and wasted little time making her presence felt under rules.
Starting as she would mean to go on, Hollie ensured her first ride under rules was a winning one, when steering The Mongoose to his first win on turf in a Lady Riders’ Handicap later in 2013.
Rise to the Top
From there, the only way was up for Hollie. Having ticked over with steady win and placed efforts in her first three seasons, she enjoyed a breakout 33-win campaign in 2016, highlighted by a victory in the valuable Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket.
Surpassing 50 winners in 2017 and 2018, a golden 2019 saw Doyle set a new single-season record for a female rider, with her tally of 116 comfortably bettering Hayley Turner’s previous record of 100. She promptly bettered that total when firing in 150 wins in 2020 before a new record-breaking 172 in 2021. Posting 117 or more in each of the following three seasons, she is now firmly established in the upper echelons of the sport.
Big Wins and Big Recognition
During this rapid rise to the top, Doyle increased not only the quantity of her wins, but also the quality. The first of 11 Group 1s arrived courtesy of Glen Shiel in the 2020 Champion Sprint Stakes at Ascot. The flying filly Nashwa then provided Doyle with a first Classic when clinging on by a short neck to claim the 2022 Prix de Diane at Chantilly.
By this stage, Doyle was frequently called upon by a selection of Britain’s leading yards. Archie Watson, Richard Hannon, John Gosden, and Ed Dunlop were amongst those who recognised the advantages of having this power-packed ball of determination in the saddle. Doyle’s talents were also spotted by powerful owner Ismal Al Sagar, who has employed Doyle as his retained rider since 2020.
Hollie’s exploits received due recognition beyond the realms of the racing world, with the rider named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2020.
Trainers and Fellow Riders Pay Tribute
Having reached 1,000 winners in March 2025 – and with Hayley Turner announcing her retirement soon after – it has been a matter of when, and not if, Doyle became the new record holder.
Doyle herself sounded proud of the achievement, but not unduly so when stating:
“Being the most successful female jockey ever is alright – it’s not champion jockey, though, is it?”
Others were a little more effusive in their praise. John Gosden, who provided Doyle with her first Classic winner stated:
“She’s the most fantastic person. She’s got a great character, she’s 100 per cent a hard worker and she’s a pleasure to be around.”
Whilst husband Tom Marquand sensibly praised his better half:
“It’s an amazing achievement, especially at her age.”
Next Stop, The Championship?
Still relatively young for a rider, it seems likely that further records will fall as Doyle continues her relentless pursuit of winners. In recent seasons, Hollie has emphasised quality over quantity. However, her reaction to this achievement suggests that the dream of becoming Champion Jockey may linger.
Rarely far away in the Championship race, she came closest when finishing joint second to William Buick in 2022. Doyle certainly has the talent to claim the title, with her ability to make low weights with ease another potent weapon in her armoury. Hitting Group 1 targets may be her immediate goal, but if Hollie ever does decide to launch an all-out assault on the title, we wouldn’t be in a rush to bet against her breaking yet another record.