#VoteHollie - racing urged to support Hollie Doyle for Sports Personality

Great British Racing (GBR) has encouraged the racing world to rally around Hollie Doyle in her bid to be crowned Sports Personality of the Year, with a comprehensive campaign planned for the build-up to Sunday's ceremony.

GBR has been hard at work on a support campaign for the 24-year-old jockey, whose historic season has included breaking her own record for most winners in a calendar year by a female jockey, riding her first Royal Ascot winner and capturing her first Group 1 aboard Glen Shiel in the British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October.

Doyle is bidding to become the second racing figure to win the award after Sir Anthony McCoy in 2010, while stars of other equestrian sports such as Princess Anne, Zara Phillips and Nick Skelton have all performed well in the past.

'A huge privilege' - Hollie Doyle nominated for Sports Personality of the Year

GBR's head of PR Naomi Lawson said: "It's an amazing opportunity for the sport and is a really fitting tribute to what has been such a momentous year for Hollie.

Hollie Doyle lands her first Group 1 on Glen Shiel in the British Champions SprintCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"We've been in touch with pony clubs and other equestrian sports because she's the only woman and only representative of equestrianism. Nick Skelton did really well before when the whole sport got behind him and we want to do likewise with Hollie."

Lawson added: "We're working on good luck messages and video content with some of the biggest names in the sport to go out later in the week.

"We want to raise as much awareness of her as we can with the general public but also ensure the whole of the racing family get behind her."

A social media campaign using #VoteHollie is well under way and anyone heading to a racecourse this week should expect to see Doyle paraphernalia.

"Vote Hollie hats have been sent out to all the racecourses and training yards so people can create their own content and messages of support," Lawson said. "We've got cardboard cutouts going to racecourses which people can take photos with.

"We're one of the few sports where women compete on an equal footing with men and she is absolutely bossing it at the moment. That's so great for young girls and boys watching who can see Hollie doing it and think 'so can I'."

Doyle has five rivals for the coveted award: Formula One record-breaker Lewis Hamilton, cricketer Stuart Broad, boxer Tyson Fury, footballer Jordan Henderson and snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Voting will be conducted via a public vote during Sunday's live show, which begins at 8pm on BBC1 and will be presented by Gary Lineker, Clare Balding, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott in front of a virtual audience in Salford.

Read more from Hollie Doyle's extraordinary year

'I'm blown away' - Hollie Doyle wins Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year

'It's absolutely unbelievable' - Hollie Doyle shines on Hong Kong debut

'It feels pretty good' - Hollie Doyle makes history with 899-1 five-timer

Hollie Doyle lands first two at Ascot and maiden Group 1 in Champions Sprint

Hollie Doyle beats own record for most wins in calendar year by female jockey

Hollie Doyle leads the way with four nominations for 2020 Lesters Awards

'It feels great!' - Hollie Doyle celebrates first Group win with Dame Malliot

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