HOLLIE GRAIL

Triumphant Doyle hails ‘horse of a lifetime’ Nashwa

BY

HOLLIE DOYLE and brilliant filly Nashwa came from last to first to leave them standing in the Group 1 Qatar Nassau Stakes.

Doyle was happy to look on from the rear of the eight-runner field aboard the John and Thady Gosden-saddled Prix de Diane heroine.

Asked to deliver entering the final quarter mile of the 10furlong fillies’ test, Frankel’s daughter, third in the Cazoo Oaks before her Chantilly triumph 16 days later, swept down the outside to beat 40-1 shot Aristia – and give Doyle (right with trophy) a fourth career Group 1.

“When I got here today, Mr [John] Gosden said he wanted me to ride her quiet, get her to switch off and ride her like the best horse in the race,” said the winning jockey, who clenched her fist in celebration crossing the winning line.

“Every Group

1 means a lot, so you’ve got to enjoy it while it lasts. You have limited time to enjoy these moments.

“She has a high cruising speed – she is push-button.

“She is a horse of a lifetime.”

Nashwa’s owner, Kuwaiti businessman Imad Al Sagar, signed Doyle up as his retained jockey two years ago.

“Thanks to Imad, I’m associated with her,” said the 25-year-old, cheered on by mother Caroline at the track.

“To have the trust in me, I hope it can open other owners’ eyes and make them realise if they can get the

job done that’s all that matters.” The Prix de l’opera at Longchamp on 2 October is next for the winner before a trip to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on 5 November.

Al Sagar revealed Nashwa will race on at four and Doyle, also successful on Prarie Falcon, smiled: “That’s fantastic news – music to my ears.

“She’s flourishing. Every time I sit on her I say she’s grown and she’s improved again.

“I think she will be a different filly next year as well.”

NEW LONDON is William Hill’s new 7-2 favourite for the Cazoo St Leger after producing a strong-staying effort to land the Group 3 John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes.