Hollie Doyle to become latest British jockey to secure winter Hong Kong licence

Hollie Doyle has joined the British jockeys’ exodus to Hong Kong after being granted a visiting licence for the first time. The record-breaking rider has participated in the last five editions of the Longines International Jockeys’ Championships at Happy Valley, recording four winners in the process.

Now she will be involved on a regular basis at the meetings at Happy Valley and Sha Tin from 5 November to 23 December 2025 after she was one of four international riders to secure licences.

Doyle said: “I’ve had the pleasure of riding in Hong Kong over the last few years, albeit for in-and-out trips to compete in the IJC and ride at Sha Tin on the big HKIR Sunday, and I’ve had a bit of luck at those meetings.

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“This will be different, though, and I’m under no illusion that this first proper stint isn’t going to be as easy-going as that.

“I like a challenge and I’m going to give it a good go. I’ve enjoyed riding around Happy Valley and Sha Tin on my trips so far and I think Hong Kong is probably the best place in the world to develop your skills as a jockey. You have to be very sharp and ready to make split-second decisions. It’s a style of racing you have to get used to and I’ve come to enjoy the dynamics and tactical nature of how the races are run.

“I’m going there to ride winners, but I’m under no illusion how hard it can be to pick up good rides. I can do a light weight which is handy I suppose, but there are plenty of high-class international jockeys out there at the same time as me. Hopefully, I can use the time to develop, learn the system in Hong Kong and ride a few winners along the way.”

Doyle will join Harry Bentley and recently relocated pair Richard Kingscote and David Probert as British riders currently based in Hong Kong.

Dylan Browne McMonagle, the current leader in the Irish Flat Jockeys’ Championship, has been granted a licence to ride from 1 January to 29 March 2026, which will mark his first time riding in Hong Kong.

French rider Maxime Guyon and regular short-term rider in Hong Kong, James McDonald, have also been granted short-term licences.