Glen’s Group 1 debut

It’s a big day for jockey and owners alike on Saturday as Hollie Doyle prepares for her first domestic Group 1 ride aboard Glen Shiel who'll make his Group 1 debut in the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock.

The 23-year-old is riding the crest of a wave after recording a five-timer at Windsor last weekend and is hoping for another big day at the office for owners she boasts a fantastic record for.

Doyle has ridden big winners for Hambleton Racing in Doha and France in the last 12 months and boasts an impressive 29% strike rate in the beige and blue silks.

Looking ahead to the ride Hollie said "Glen has been improving all year and I'm really looking forward to riding him. He seems in great form at home and I’m sure he’ll run a big race.”

Glen Shiel heads into Saturday’s race with three wins from his last four starts, most recently scoring in the Group 3 Phoenix Stakes in Ireland.

His horse racing syndicate are excitedly looking forward to having their horse competing at the very highest level.

Hambleton’s head racing manager Cosmo Charlton reports understandable excitement in the ranks “Glen’s owners have talked about little else in recent weeks and can’t wait for Saturday. He’s been superbly handled by Archie and could well have more to offer. He’s the blueprint for a syndicate really - a horse bought for £45,000 that’s winning Group races and now competing against the very best.”

Trainer Archie Watson has managed the son of Pivotal’s progress typically astutely and provided an upbeat report on the six-year-old’s wellbeing “He came out of the Curragh well and I’m delighted with him at home. He deserves to take his chance in these Group 1 sprints now.”

It promises to be an exciting day for all concerned at Haydock with Glen’s owners all set to see their horse mix it with the very best European sprinters as he make his Group 1 debut.

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