Proud mum - 'I don't know how she stays so cool. I'd be an absolute wreck'

You might expect Caroline Doyle would be accustomed to the stress of watching her daughter Hollie ride on the biggest stages but she admitted she was as nervous as ever watching the Nassau Stakes.

There was little cause for concern as Nashwa cruised through the field under Doyle, having been held up at the beginning of the race, and scored by a length and three-quarters from 40-1 shot Aristia.

"I'm still shaking. I'm so excited," said Caroline. "I don't know how Hollie stays so cool. I'd be an absolute wreck but she does so well. We're over the moon. I was really nervous today. I always get like that with short-priced favourites when they're expected to win.

"I was the same with Trueshan in the Goodwood Cup the other day but the ground went against him a bit. It can be nerve-wracking."

Doyle became the first British woman to win a Classic in June when Nashwa narrowly landed last month's Prix de Diane at Chantilly, as well as the first female rider to claim a French Classic.

That was the latest in a long string of 'firsts' achieved by a jockey who is well past the point of being defined by her gender, and such has been her rapid ascent that even her mother cannot quite believe it.

Nashwa and Hollie Doyle come clear of their Nassau Stakes rivalsCredit: Edward Whitaker

"She's always been competitive in everything she's done. She played rugby, football, all sports, and is so competitive. It's incredible how far she's come and we're all so proud – it still feels a little bit surreal. It's sunk in a little bit but she keeps managing to find a bit more."

The 25-year-old was asked whether her mother mum usually got this nervous. "Yes, she's always been like that," said the jockey, before demonstrating her shaking hands.

Doyle rode Nashwa aggressively to narrowly deny La Parisienne in France but showcased her versatility with a change of tactics this time, and she said: "We had a bad draw so I wanted to maintain my position. I didn't want to light her up and ride her from a pace angle.

"I came down the hill with a double handful and she travels very well, but she takes a while to hit top gear. I made sure to keep her balanced down the hill. This is her perfect trip. She possesses a high cruising speed and sees it out very well. You can ride her anywhere."

Her calculated ride drew high praise from joint-trainer John Gosden, who added: "Hollie is a star. She has an incredible work ethic. As a rider, she's very savvy and strong with great balance. She has the most wonderful personality, and she's so applied and focused."

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