Our ambassador takes a break from winter commitments in Japan to journey within the Worldwide Jockey’s Problem in Hong Kong on Wednesday, stay on Sky Sports activities Racing.
Out to make historical past in Hong Kong problem
I merely cannot wait to return to Glad Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday for my fifth look on the 2024 Longines Worldwide Jockeys’ Championship (IJC), stay on Sky Sports activities Racing. It is such a thrill to be invited again to compete towards lots of the world’s high jockeys.
Representing Nice Britain is all the time particular and I will be flying the house flag with Ryan Moore and William Buick. The competitors will probably be intense, nonetheless, with New Zealand’s James McDonald, French ace Mickael Barzalona and Eire’s champion Colin Keane among the many 12 riders vying for the best factors tally throughout 4 races.
Each Australian-based Rachel King and I’ve the chance to develop into the primary feminine to win the Problem outright – an achievement that will completely spherical off one other satisfying 12 months at house and overseas.
Changing into the primary feminine jockey to win a race on the Problem in 2020 on Concord N Blessed, once I completed joint-third general, was a particular second and going one higher the 12 months after with an equal second place was additionally a proud achievement, so I am unable to wait to see what occurs on Wednesday.
Hoping Circus can reel them in
Within the first leg (12.10), my mount Circus Reel should overcome a excessive draw. David Corridor’s sprinter ran effectively final time when dropping again to the minimal distance so hopefully has the gate pace to make his mark on this 5f sprint.
Unexposed after solely three begins in Hong Kong, he is a horse who likes to be dropped in for a late run so if the race unfolds to swimsuit his racing type he may simply discover sufficient to submit a telling end.
Sixth Technology is my journey within the second leg (12.40), a handicap over the prolonged 1m, however the draw has once more been unkind. Barrier 11 goes to make life tough for a horse who comes right here on the again of a good fourth on the All-Climate at Sha Tin.
Skilled by Jamie Richards, he is a succesful performer who goes with out his normal visor and has the potential to be harmful if the playing cards fall proper.
Preventing likelihood with Soleil
The third leg (1.40) of the Problem can be over the prolonged 1m which ought to show supreme for my mount Soleil Fighter, who’s drawn effectively in gate three.
Skilled by David Hayes, he ran effectively two begins in the past when he was overwhelmed solely a neck over course and distance from one other low draw. Comparatively low mileage in Hong Kong, he needed to work too arduous from a large place on his newest begin however can bounce again from that.
Doug Whyte’s Goko Win ran a very good race final time when he was second over this 6f so I am hopeful he will be within the shake up within the fourth leg (2.10), though he’s one other of my rides to be posted large on the observe.
He stormed house that day after making his earlier 4 appearances at Sha Tin, proving he is positively at house on this observe.
Very good possibilities on supporting card
I am delighted to have picked up 4 rides on the supporting card, beginning with Very good Transfer within the opener, the Class 5 Australia Handicap (10.30), once more over the prolonged 1m.
Although he hasn’t been producing his finest type of late, he is a course and distance scorer who’s effectively positioned and I am instructed his observe work has been encouraging.
I workforce up with Doug Whyte within the second race, the France Handicap (11.00) again over the flying 6f. Speedy Chariot hasn’t gained in Hong Kong earlier than however ran effectively final time when he was fourth over course and distance.
We’re wider this time in barrier eight however he seems a simple kind who ought to journey effectively sufficient to get the rub of the inexperienced.
Longer journey can play to Mighty’s energy
I additionally journey Mighty Stretch for Ricky Yiu within the Nice Britain Handicap (11.30), a Class 4 race again over the prolonged 1m. He is proven some sturdy kind over 7f round Sha Tin and could recognize this step up in journey.
His newest run will be ignored as he was drawn awfully and simply did not look comfy, however from a greater beginning place in 4 it could possibly be a unique story.
Within the Eire Handicap (1.10) I have been allotted the David Hayes-trained World Hero, who has solely had 4 runs in Hong Kong. He wears blinkers so most likely lacks a bit on focus however can hopefully start to indicate some enchancment.
Japan contract prolonged
My journey to Glad Valley will probably be short-lived as I will be heading straight again to Tokyo to proceed my short-term contract in Japan, which I am delighted to say has been prolonged.
My husband Tom (Marquand) and I had been as a result of go away earlier than Christmas however we’re very grateful to the Japan Racing Affiliation to be staying till thirteenth January.
Tom has had an incredible begin, taking his tally to seven winners with two on Japan Cup weekend, and I am trying ahead to using just a few extra myself earlier than heading house within the new 12 months.
Hollie Doyle was chatting with Sky Sports activities Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Watch the LONGINES Worldwide Jockeys’ Championship from Glad Valley stay on Sky Sports activities Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 519) on Wednesday sixth December.
