Hollie Doyle will ride in the Japan Cup (G1) for the first time after doctors' orders ruled out Ryan Moore from his attempt at back-to-back wins in the prestigious race on Vela Azul at Tokyo Racecourse Nov. 24.
Moore injured his back following a fall soon after the start of a race in Kyoto last Sunday and was stood down for the rest of the day, missing the ride on Mile Championship (G1) winner Namur. Although he walked away apparently unscathed and later declared himself none the worse, his name was missing from Thursday's big-race declarations on medical advice.
Doyle, who is in Japan with husband Tom Marquand on a short-term contract, has ridden four winners from 31 rides in her second spell in the country.
Her call-up means that three female jockeys will be riding in Japan's biggest international race, following just one in the previous 42 runnings. American legend Julie Krone finished 14th of 15 behind Better Loosen Up, Australia's only winner of the race, in 1990.
Doyle is joined by Nanako Fujita, one of the Japan Racing Association's few female riders, on Win Erfolg, and Marie Velon, who partners the veteran Iresine, representing France as the sole overseas challenger. He bids to end a run of 17 wins by home-trained horses.
