Sunday marked jockey Sophie Doyle's ride back under the twin spires at Churchill Downs since her daughter Emilie was born over two years prior.
Three months after giving birth, Doyle, who started riding professionally in Kentucky in 2014, wasted no time in going back to the racetrack in the mornings to breeze horses for her fiancé, trainer Chris Davis. As the usual exercise rider for the gifted 3-year-old colt trained by John Ennis, Doyle's experience was invaluable in getting Epic Ride ready for the Kentucky Derby 150. Later, Epic Ride would place fourteenth in the Kentucky Derby.
Earlier this spring, Doyle had a victorious comeback to horse racing, winning two of her thirteen starts along with two seconds and a third. She is scheduled to ride several horses at Belterra Park and Presque Isle Downs during the week, in addition to You Make Me Happy on Saturday at Churchill Downs.
“It’s wonderful to be back here at Churchill Downs,” Doyle stated. “It’s been almost two years since I’ve been back riding here. It was the first place I won a race when I began my career in North America, and having Emilie beside me makes it even more special. I really enjoy seeing Emilie’s love for horses and how she interprets them. When mommy is winning she knows it’s great. I’ve been told after children, moms have superpowers. My day starts pretty early taking care of her and working horses. Plus, I have my off-track Thoroughbred Jaz N Tap. Now, it’s back to race riding again.”
Doyle won 83 races out of 493 starts during her final full-time season in the saddle, earning $2.5 million in purse earnings.