Delight for Doyle with first Listed strike on Billesdon Bess

Fresh from her debut in last Saturday’s Shergar Cup, Hollie Doyle took a huge step forward in her riding career as Billesdon Bess gave the 21-year-old a first winner at Listed level in the feature British Stallion Studs EBF Upavon Fillies’ Stakes.

The duo had landed a decent handicap at Glorious Goodwood two weeks ago and, despite being unable to claim her 3lb allowance with this being a Listed race, owners Pall Mall Partners stuck with Doyle and were duly rewarded with a first prize of nearly £30,000.

“Not only is it my first Listed winner but that’s my first ride in a Listed race,” said Doyle. “I didn’t expect her to do that because we had doubts on the quicker ground, but she’s very tough and won going away.”