Frustrated Doyle forced to wait another week for return

Hollie Doyle has had to postpone her return to the saddle and the resumption of her challenge for the Stobart apprentice jockeys' title.

Doyle broke her collarbone in a fall at Goodwood nearly four weeks ago and had hoped to be riding by this weekend, but she has been advised to give the injury another week.

Richard Hannon's apprentice said on Tuesday: "I saw the specialist in Cardiff yesterday and he wasn't happy about me riding again yet.

"I was hoping to be back this Friday but my collarbone got displaced, which is why it has taken longer than the usual three weeks.

"I hope to start riding out at the start of next week and hopefully return next Wednesday, if I can get a ride!"

Doyle will not be lacking for fitness when she returns as she is the latest to benefit from the services of Oaksey House in Lambourn.

"Dale the physio has been incredible and I've been training in the gym most days so have been keeping race-fit," she added.

Doyle has ridden 13 winners since the championship season started at the Guineas meeting and 34 in the year.

Her absence has seen David Egan take the lead with 16 winners, while Kieran Shoemark has moved into second with 15, while Doyle now has George Wood and Charlie Bennett alongside on the 13-winner mark in what is building into an exciting race to succeed Josephine Gordon as champion apprentice.