Doyle has fingers crossed Trueshan finally gets to go for gold

Weather has not been kind at the big meeting for Alan King’s star stayer.

Hollie Doyle is willing the rain to fall over the coming days to give star stayer Trueshan the chance to finally line up in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

Alan King’s eight-year-old has won three times at Ascot over the course of his career, but with a preference for ease in the ground, a run at track’s summer highlight has so far eluded him due to on-the-day conditions – with his participation often a matter of discourse right up until the final hours before the week’s premier staying contest.

The most recent of Trueshan’s three Group One victories came at ParisLongchamp in the autumn where the popular gelding successfully followed up his Doncaster Cup success in the Prix du Cadran.

And despite only playing a minor role in his two appearances so far this term, Doyle would love the opportunity to build on her six Royal Ascot victories aboard a horse that has been a flagbearer of her career.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully riding Trueshan and I just hope the rain comes as he deserves to take his chance in the Gold Cup,” said Doyle.

“He’s been scratched every year so far and it would be great to see him have a run in it before the time comes.

Hollie Doyle will hopefully partner Trueshan in the Gold Cup
Hollie Doyle will hopefully partner Trueshan in the Gold Cup (Tim Goode/PA)

“I would like to think he would have a chance and a year or two ago he would almost be favourite, so we will see.

“I have plenty of other rides, but it just would be nice for Alan and connections to get Trueshan there, as every year we have him ready to go and have to scratch him on the day.

“I only want to ride him if it’s the right ground and right race and I wouldn’t want to just ride him for the sake of it, but let’s hope.”

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