Trailblazing British jockey Sophie Doyle has called time on her riding career, announcing her retirement from the saddle on Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which has been her home since 2013.
The 38-year-old, daughter of former trainer Jacquie Doyle and older sister of top jockey James Doyle, established herself as one of Britain's leading female Flat jockeys before embarking on a successful transatlantic chapter.
A Transatlantic Racing Career
Doyle's move to the United States in 2013 proved to be the platform for her greatest achievements in the sport. It was there she secured three of her five coveted graded race victories, with the standout moment being her Grade 1 triumph in the Cotillion Stakes aboard Street Band.
Her talent earned her the prestigious opportunity to compete at three separate Breeders' Cup meetings, racing against the world's best. Doyle rode her final winner, her 478th in the US, at Churchill Downs on Sunday, piloting Joejoe Go for her trainer husband, Christopher Davis.
An Emotional Farewell and Heartfelt Thanks
Four days after that final victory, Doyle chose the symbolic occasion of Thanksgiving to share her decision with the world via a heartfelt Facebook post.
"Today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as I announce my retirement from being a jockey, a career that has blessed me with incredible experiences across the globe," she wrote.
She paid a moving tribute to her mother, Jacqueline, describing her as "my rock and guiding light" and thanking her for being her "number one supporter and mentor" throughout her journey.
Doyle, who has a young daughter named Emilie, also expressed deep gratitude to the late trainer Larry Demeritte, who provided her with both her first winner at Churchill Downs and a place to live when she first arrived.
"If it wasn't for Larry, I'm not sure I would have gotten to where I did," she admitted, calling him "a great friend to a girl from England who needed a home away from home."
Celebrating Equine Partnerships
The jockey reserved special praise for the horses that defined her career, notably the mares Street Band and Fioretti.
"My heart swells with appreciation for my most notable mares... who gave me my most memorable days as a jockey, winning multiple graded stakes," she said.
She also thanked trainer Larry Jones for his "incredible support" and for keeping faith with her on Street Band's journey from winning the Fair Ground Oaks to their Grade 1 Cotillion success.
Reflecting on the perfect symmetry of her career, Doyle noted, "From my first winner on JazNtap to my last winner on JoeJoe Go both being at Churchill Downs it couldn't have been written any better."
