December 8th 2024.
Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand may be known as friendly rivals in the world of horse racing, but what many may not realize is that they are also happily married. Their love story began when they were both teenagers and has now blossomed into a beautiful marriage.
As a jockey, Hollie knows that the key to success is riding the best horses in the best races. Thankfully, she has the support of some of the top trainers and owners in the world, which allows her to compete in top-level races all over the globe, from France to Japan to the USA.
In the midst of all the competition and adrenaline, Hollie remains focused on her job and doesn't let the fact that her biggest rival is also her husband affect her mindset. When they are both in the starting stalls, Tom is just another competitor that she wants to beat.
It's hard to say who has beaten who more often, but Hollie likes to think that they are evenly matched. In fact, Tom may even be her toughest competition at times. What makes horse racing unique is that men and women compete against each other on equal terms. It's not easy to make it as a professional jockey, but riding against all genders keeps Hollie constantly evolving and pushing herself to be the best, even when that means competing against her husband.
Horses have always been a big part of Hollie's life. Both her parents were jockeys, so it was only natural for her to follow in their footsteps. She has always had a special connection with horses and loves getting to know their unique personalities.
Hollie is a naturally competitive person, and that drive extends into all aspects of her life. In school, she would compete in every sport and activity she could, and if she wasn't winning, she was disappointed. When she first met Tom at the age of 14 or 15, they were both competing in pony races. They hit it off as friends, but there was definitely a sense of rivalry between them from the start.
As they got older and their relationship developed, their competitive nature never wavered. They have always supported each other's careers, but at the same time, they are each other's biggest competition. Tom's determination and drive to be the best always inspire Hollie to push herself harder.
In 2022, Hollie and Tom tied the knot. By that time, they had been competing against each other for years and had grown accustomed to their busy schedules. They may often be like ships passing in the night if they are both racing on different tracks, but when they do compete against each other, it's an exhilarating experience.
Hollie always hopes that if she can't win, then Tom will. But make no mistake, she wants to win more. And if it's a close finish, Tom is usually the last person she wants to be up against because he is just that good.
It's always special for Tom and Hollie to share big moments and milestones in their careers together. For example, in October, they competed against each other in a Group 1 race in France, with a prize of over £170k going to the winner. Hollie was riding the favorite horse, but Tom's horse ended up beating her in the final few seconds.
As much as she was gutted to lose such a prestigious race, it didn't make it any better or worse that it was Tom who beat her. They have both had their share of injuries and setbacks in the sport, and they understand the risks and sacrifices that come with it. They may be competitors on the track, but they are also each other's biggest supporters and confidants.
Life as a jockey is busy and demanding, and Hollie and Tom don't always have the luxury of dwelling on the highs and lows of their sport. When the day is over, they are already focused on the next day's races and riding the next winner. They are constantly pushing each other to be better and achieve more, whether it's in terms of strength and fitness or researching the horses they will be riding.
One of the perks of being married to another jockey is having someone to debrief with after a day of racing and discuss the races. They understand each other's mindset and can offer valuable insights and advice. Hollie couldn't imagine being with someone who didn't understand her sport or her mentality.
Their careers have taken them to compete internationally and domestically, and they have each other by their side every step of the way. It's an exciting journey, and they can't imagine doing it without each other.
As for the future, Hollie has her sights set on becoming Champion Jockey one day, a title that is the pinnacle for most jockeys. She wants to ride more winning horses in a season than anyone else and add her name to the list of the greatest jockeys. Tom may also achieve this goal, but Hollie wants to be the first.
If you want to learn more about horse racing and the lives of jockeys like Hollie and Tom, visit greatbritishracing.com. They may be competitors, but they are also a team, constantly pushing each other to be the best they can be. And that's what makes their relationship and their careers so special.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
