Doyle breaks British record
DAME JUDI DENCH, no stranger to receiving trophies as both an actor and racehorse owner, hopes to celebrate further success when As De Mee runs in tomorrow’s Randox Becher Chase at Aintree.
The iconic actor, below, enjoyed her most memorable success when Smokey Oakey carried her silks to victory on seven occasions, notably when taking the 2008 Lincoln Handicap and Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
As De Mee, owned jointly by Dame Judi and the Stewart family, should have no problems negotiating the Grand National fences in the Becher Chase, over a circuit of the world’s most famous race.
He was successful over the formidable National fences when taking the Grand Sefton Chase three years ago at Aintree.
Since that victory the gelding has had training problems but recently returned to action at Cheltenham last month where he ran a race full of promise over hurdles.
Paul Nicholls, the nine-year-old’s trainer, is positive about his chances.
“We are pleased with As De Mee,” said Nicholls. “He picked up a tendon injury last year and missed the whole season.
“He loves the fences, having won the Grand Sefton, and he had a nice start this season over hurdles. “We are looking forward to it.” As De Mee, a 12-1 chance, will not lack for assistance with popular Bryony Frost taking the ride.
HOLLIE DOYLE set a new record of victories for a female jockey in a calendar year in Great Britain when riding her 107th win at Southwell yesterday.
The 23-year-old reached the landmark after partnering Class Clown, trained by David Barron, in the Ladbrokes Nursery Handicap, beating the previous record held by 2016 champion apprentice Josephine Gordon, who rode 106 winners in 2017.
Only last week Doyle, right, became the third female jockey to reach 100 winners in a calendar year alongside Gordon and Hayley Turner.
Doyle said: “I set out to ride as many winners as I could this year so to achieve a new British record for female jockeys is very satisfying and a wonderful way to end 2019.
Fellow jockey Tom Marquand, Doyle’s partner, said: “It was an incredible achievement.
“I don’t think she wants to be viewed as a ‘female jockey’ and for anyone to go over 100 winners it’s fantastic. It shows the hard work she’s put in. She’s relentless.”