In a devastating blow to her international racing campaign, Britain's superstar jockey Hollie Doyle has been dramatically ruled out of Wednesday's prestigious Longines International Jockeys' Championship in Hong Kong.
The 27-year-old record-breaker, who was set to make her highly anticipated debut at the iconic Sha Tin racecourse, returned a positive Covid-19 test upon arrival. This result has immediately triggered the strict health protocols enforced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Dream Debut Dashed by Positive Test
Doyle, a trailblazer in the sport and one of its most prominent figures, was understandably gutted by the news. "I'm absolutely devastated to have to miss the International Jockeys' Championship," she stated. "Riding in Hong Kong has been a major ambition of mine, and I was incredibly excited for the opportunity."
She emphasised her commitment to following the rules, adding, ">The health and safety of the community must come first. I wish all the jockeys the best of luck for the races and hope to get another chance to compete in Hong Kong soon."
HKJC's Strict Protocol in Action
The Hong Kong Jockey Club confirmed the unfortunate development, outlining their clear procedures. "Upon returning a positive test, Hollie Doyle is required to self-isolate in accordance with the HKJC's Covid-19 control measures," a club spokesman said.
The spokesman also confirmed that all other participating jockeys who travelled on the same charter flight have tested negative. Doyle will now be replaced in the four-race championship series by local riding ace Karis Teetan.
A Major Setback for a Global Star
This withdrawal represents a significant setback for Doyle, who has taken the racing world by storm. Her presence was set to be a major highlight of the event, marking another milestone in her meteoric rise. The racing community and fans worldwide will undoubtedly be disappointed to miss seeing her compete against the world's best on such a celebrated stage.
All attention now turns to her recovery, with hopes that this is merely a postponement of her Hong Kong debut rather than a cancellation.
