Jockey Hollie Doyle celebrates Nashwa's retirement, hailing the horse that elevated her career with standout victories in top races, leaving an indelible legacy.
Hollie Doyle paid homage to Nashwa, the horse she credits with elevating her career, on the occasion of the five-year-old’s retirement. Nashwa, who was trained by John and Thady Gosden, belonged to Imad Al Sagar, and Doyle was employed as his retained jockey. Throughout their partnership, Doyle rode Nashwa in all 18 of her career races, achieving three Group One wins in the Prix de Diane, Nassau Stakes, and Falmouth Stakes.
Even with a tough 2024 season after a trip to Dubai, Nashwa retires in good health, and Doyle expresses great gratitude for their time together. “She entered my life at such a crucial moment. She’s been a star for me, for Imad, and for the stud. I will always be thankful to her and to Imad for the opportunity,” Doyle said.
Doyle fondly remembered Nashwa's early days, particularly their first race together at Newmarket. Despite a defeat, Doyle could sense the horse's future greatness. Nashwa's advancement from winning her first race in April 2022 to claiming the Nassau Stakes in July was remarkable. Although Nashwa achieved three Group One victories, Doyle feels her strongest performance was when she finished a close third in the Juddmonte International.
My favorite memory is winning the French Oaks. She was all class that day, and incredibly tough. It was a big challenge with less than three weeks between the Epsom Oaks and the French Oaks, but we knew if she didn’t stay the distance at Epsom, she’d thrive in France, Doyle shared. Going into Epsom, I felt electric because we had a real shot. Even though she couldn’t quite manage the mile and a half, I knew dropping back to 10 furlongs would make her unstoppable.
