Hollie Doyle lands first Classic success as Nashwa wins French Oaks

Nashwa provided Hollie Doyle with her first Classic success after a thrilling victory in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.

So impressive in winning her first two starts of the season at Haydock and Newbury, the Frankel filly was last seen finishing a creditable third in the Oaks at Epsom. Turning out just 16 days later for the French equivalent, John and Thady Gosden’s youngster was the 7-4 favourite under her record-breaking rider and got the job done in determined style.

A smart start from her low draw meant Nashwa was prominent from the off 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.

“It feels pretty good. When I was pulling up I couldn’t find the words to describe it really,” said Doyle. “I’ve got a lot of people to thank. Without [owner] Imad Al Sagar 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 it’s relatively early on in my career and I feel pretty lucky.

“I felt very vulnerable at the two-furlong pole, I’m not going to lie. It was a muddling race and I felt beforehand someone would be a bit more decisive pace-wise than they were. I didn’t really want to be where I was, but she was very relaxed and happy to be one off the rail with a bit of company either side. She’s versatile and responsive when needs be. When the second horse came to my girths she really dug deep, which was great to see.”

The rider was congratulated shortly after her victory by her husband Tom Marquand, who finished seventh aboard