Doyle and Marquand take chances in Ribot Cup

Hollie Doyle will have her first taste of riding in Italy as she participates in the tenth Ribot Cup.

The Cup is a showcase of young international talent, with ten jockeys under the age of 25 invited to compete.

Andrea Atzeni, Adam Beschizza and George Chaloner are all previous winners, while Pierre-Charles Boudot, Umberto Rispoli and Martin Harley are previous competitors. Doyle will join Tom Marquand in flying the flag for Britain this year.

Tom Marquand: competing in Ribot CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Last year was a breakout one for Doyle as she rode 33 winners, and she has continued her progress in 2017, with 14 already on the board.

She said on Saturday: "I've never been to Italy and it's nice to try something different. This winter has been really good and hopefully it will take me into the summer."

The Ribot Cup is a points-based competition in which each of the jockeys has three rides, and one of Doyle's is familiar to her – Bint Kodiac was formerly trained by Richard Fahey.

However, she thinks compatriot Marquand could have a stronger hand, and sais: "I think Tom's got a better chance than me."

Also participating is Ireland's Killian Leonard, who like Doyle enjoyed a fine 2016 with 26 winners, and Antonio Orani, who was French champion apprentice in 2016.

Ribot Cup winners

2008 Alberto Sanna
2009 Sebastiano Guerrieri
2010 Andrea Atzeni
2011 Andrea Atzeni
2012 Adam Beschizza
2013 Goran Mesetovic
2014 Manuel Pporcu
2015 George Chaloner
2016 Andrea Mezzatesta