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Hollie Doyle set to ride Felix in Winter Derby

3 minute read

Record-breaking jockey fresh from Saudi Arabia triumph.

Jockey : Hollie Doyle
Jockey : Hollie Doyle Picture: (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Hollie Doyle is planning to ride Felix in this weekend's Betway Winter Derby at Lingfield.

Sky Sports Racing ambassador Doyle broke new ground on Saturday with victory on Willie Mullins' True Self on the Saudi Cup card in Riyadh.

She is currently in quarantine at home following her successful trip – but as long as all coronavirus tests come back negative, she is set to take the ride on Marco Botti's five-year-old, who is favourite for Saturday's race.

"I got back on Sunday evening and I've got to do five days quarantine at home," Doyle told Sky Sports Racing.

"It's 10 days, but I'm hoping to do the test-and-release scheme on the fifth day – so I've got to go to Heathrow airport to do a test.

"Hopefully, if I pass all my tests this week I can ride on Saturday, all being well.

"I'm down to ride Felix, who I hope would have a great chance, so fingers crossed I pass all the tests."

Felix is one of seven confirmations for the Group Three over 10 furlongs.

Doyle added: "He just got up on the line at Wolverhampton, which was his first start after a long lay-off.

"I was impressed with him that day, and he just went down by a short head at Lingfield (in the Winter Derby Trial) a few weeks ago.

"He loves it there, so I'm hoping if he runs he'll have a huge say in the race."

Botti said of Felix: "Everything has gone smoothly – Felix did a piece of work on Saturday, and I don't think we could have him in better form.

"Even in defeat, we were pleased with his performance in the Winter Derby Trial.

"It was a tactical affair, and (winner) Bangkok was probably in the right place. Felix obviously beat Bangkok at Wolverhampton before that, and it was nice to show that run wasn't a fluke.

"It gives you a bit of confidence heading into the Winter Derby itself, and a replication of that form should give him every chance."


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