'You have to adapt very quickly' - Hollie Doyle hoping to hit the ground running as Hong Kong mission begins

Hollie Doyle is determined to make an instant impact when her winter stint in Hong Kong begins with seven rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Britain's most successful female jockey has been given a short-term licence by the Hong Kong Jockey Club until December 23. She hopes the trip can cap her year, which she described as "tough and stop-start"  after losing her position as retained rider to Imad Al Sagar.

Doyle has experienced Hong Kong before, having ridden five times at Happy Valley's International Jockeys' Challenge (IJC), but is looking forward to riding in the country for a longer period of time.

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"I’ve been very lucky to have been invited to the IJC previously, so I’ve had a good taste of Hong Kong racing," she said. “You have to adapt very quickly to the different jurisdictions. I’m lucky to have travelled the world and got used to doing that now, but it’s always very different here in Hong Kong – it’s tactical, tight and sharp.

“November and December are quiet enough back home, so it’s the time of year I've been going away for the last few years and it’s worked out quite well. I have a seven-week contract and I'm looking forward to being here for a little bit longer."

Hollie Doyle's Happy Valley rides on Wednesday

11.10: Ever Smart
11.40: Roman Crown
12.10: Lightning Arrow
12.40: Run Run Smart
1.45: Inno Century
2.15: Young Arrow
2.50: Victory Sky

Doyle believes her biggest chance of making a perfect start could be aboard the Ricky Yiu-trained Victory Sky, who lines up in the feature 1m½f handicap (2.50).

She said: "He'd probably be my best ride on the evening. He’s up to 1,650 metres [extended mile], which could bring about a bit more improvement. We have a nice draw [three], so I hope he can get his head in front." 

Doyle is the latest British-based jockey to head to Hong Kong after Derby-winning rider Richard Kingscote and David Probert made the switch this year on part-season licences. Andrea Atzeni and Harry Bentley have also forged successful careers there.

Ireland's champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle will ride in Hong Kong from January 1 to March 29, while France's four-time champion Maxime Guyon has been granted a licence from November 30 to March 1. James McDonald, who is based in Australia, will ride there between November 12 and December 23.

Read more:

'Nothing compares to this feeling' - Jamie Melham seals historic Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double on Half Yours 

Hollie Doyle excited by Hong Kong challenge after 'stop-start year' with Dylan Browne McMonagle also set for winter stint 

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