Hollie Doyle's tenure as retained rider for Imad Al Sagar's Blue Diamond Stud has ended. Champion jockey Oisin Murphy will become the new first-call rider for the operation.
The best runner ridden by Doyle in the Al Sagar silks was undoubtedly the G1 Prix de Diane-winning Nashwa (Frankel), who also landed top-flight scores in the Nassau Stakes and Falmouth Stakes with Doyle aboard.
Said Al Sagar's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe, “We're keen to stress that we have had a fantastic relationship with Hollie throughout, and we hope that will continue for many years to come in different forms.
“There are, however, moments when it is time for a change and Imad felt this was the right time to move on. We will now use Oisin, when available, in the absence of Hollie.”
Doyle told attheraces.com, “Unfortunately, I was informed on Friday I'd lost my long-standing retainer with leading owner Imad Al Sagar. It came as a bit of a shock, particularly at this stage of the season.
“I've been a part of Imad's operation for five years, riding 38 winners including at the highest of levels. We've enjoyed numerous stakes winners, a Royal Ascot winner and a Classic winner with the wonderful Nashwa in the Prix de Diane in 2022, followed by two further Group 1 successes.
“I have nothing but the utmost respect for Imad and would like to thank him for giving me such an amazing opportunity at a formative stage of my career. I wish him and the team the very best of luck in the future.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
