'A huge privilege' - Hollie Doyle nominated for Sports Personality of the Year

Hollie Doyle's memorable year could be capped off with victory in the most prestigious award in British sport after it was announced on Tuesday that she has been shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of Year 2020.

The trailblazing jockey has enjoyed a historic campaign, including breaking her own record for most winners in a calendar year by a female jockey, riding her first Royal Ascot winner and capturing her first Group 1 aboard Glen Shiel in the British Champions Sprint at Ascot in October, which was part of an unforgettable double for the 24-year-old on Qipco British Champions Day.

Doyle also became the first woman to ride a five-timer on a card at Windsor in August and finished fourth in the Flat jockeys' championship, which is the highest ever finishing place by a woman.

Her achievements helped her scoop the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year award last week and she has joined just five other sportspeople in being nominated for Sports Personality of the Year.

"It's a huge privilege to be nominated for such an illustrious award," Doyle said. "It’s hard to get my head around being nominated alongside the likes of Lewis Hamilton, but I’m really pleased that horseracing has been recognised alongside these sports.

"Racing can be in its own little bubble, as such, so hopefully this might help to open the door to a wider audience."

Doyle is the only female athlete shortlisted for the award alongside sporting stars Lewis Hamilton, Stuart Broad and Jordan Henderson, with two more nominees to be announced.

She will bid to become the first woman to be named Sports Personality of the Year since Zara Tindall won for her Eventing achievements in 2006, and the first jockey since Sir Anthony McCoy took the honours a decade ago.

McCoy, who was also honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2015, said: "Hollie has got on with her job quietly, confidently and successfully. She seems more interested in walking the walk than talking the talk.

"She lets her achievements do the talking and there’s a lot to learn from Hollie. She keeps her head down, she works hard and understands the need to make herself better all the time. Honestly, I’m a little bit jealous of her. It's a thoroughly deserved nomination."

The winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2020 will be announced on Sunday, December 20 as part of a special televised broadcast.

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