HOLLIE DOYLE again broke new ground when she became the first British female jockey to win a Classic by riding Nashwa to a thrilling victory in the French Oaks at Chantilly.
Doyle, 25, had become the first woman to be placed in a British Classic when she came third on the John and Thady Gosden-trained filly in the Oaks at Epsom earlier in the month.
And just 16 days later she powered the 7-4 favourite home to hold off La Parisienne by a neck in the French equivalent – the Prix de Diane.
“I was pretty confident after Epsom, but I feel so privileged,” she said.
“I’ve got a lot of people to thank. Without Imad Al Sagar (owner) I don’t know if I would ever have been in the position to get an opportunity like this.
“These types of horses are hard to come upon and I’m only 25, so I feel pretty lucky."
After crossing the winning line, Doyle was congratulated by husband and fellow jockey Tom Marquand, who was seventh on Zellie in the race, which was first run in 1843.
“I think he was just as happy as I was,” she said. "We're always pretty happy for each other, so I think he was delighted."
A smart start from her low draw meant Nashwa was soon prominent and she travelled smoothly into the home straight alongside the well-fancied Agave.
After seeing her off, 50-1 shot La Parisienne powered home to throw down a late challenge, but Nashwa and Doyle knuckled down admirably to pass the post narrowly in front.
“I felt very vulnerable at the two-furlong pole, I’m not going to lie,” added Doyle.
