Tom Marquand said the apparent benefit of a serious injury earlier this year – the chance to spend quality time with wife Holly Doyle – did not go to plan as the pair were left “hurt and angry” during a miserable month .
Marquand revealed a rarely irascible side to his character in a feature-length interview with Sunday’s Racing Post, in which he discussed his ambition to be a champion jockey, his unusual path into the sport and the many overseas expeditions that have shaped a somewhat negative view of British racing .
During what has become a regular spring trip to Australia, Marquand suffered what he called “the worst injury I’ve had in a long time” two months ago, requiring shoulder surgery after being knocked down.
“Holly broke her elbow at the same time and we thought it would be great to be able to recover together, but it’s been awful,” he said. “We were both annoyed, angry and I missed two Group 1 winners. I knew if I took eight weeks I would miss the Dubai Honour, so I made sure I got back in time.”
Dubai honour: win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Randwickcredit: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images
The date on Dubai Honor’s mind was April 8 when Marquand beat Australian hotpot Anamoe to win his third Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick after twice winning the race on Addeybb, the horse he credits with cementing his fruitful partnership with the trainer of Dubai Honor William Haggas.
“I didn’t think it was going to happen,” he admitted. “I accepted that I had no chance.
“When I was able to come back, I convinced myself I was catching him on a day he wasn’t realistically going to win. One goes through this process to manage expectations, so it was such a relief when he won. It was worth pushing myself to get back in time, that was the most satisfying. Returning earlier was justified.”
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