By Tony Calvin
Tom Marquand is a well-known jockey who goes by the charming moniker “Aussie Tom” because of his Australian sense of place. Tom Marquand was born in Cheltenham, England, but his exceptional skill and accomplishments on the racetrack have made him well-known in Australian racing circles. Because of his skill in the saddle and his friendly demeanor, he has gained a lot of fans among racing aficionados around the world, especially in Australia.
Early Life and Background
Usually, love for horses floats in the family. Strange as it may seem, none of Tom’s family members were ever involved in horse racing. In fact, none of them had any connection to horses at all. The young Marquand was obsessed with being a jockey from a young age, and at the age of twelve, he started taking part in races on a regular basis. He experienced his first racing encounter when friends let Tom ride and adopt their ponies. Tom attended the British Racing School for quite a while, rode for several different yards, completed a half-season of Arab racing at the age of fifteen, and then joined Richard Hannon’s yard.
Rise in the Horse Racing World
Tom did start young. Currently, he is one of the best and the most adored jockeys worldwide. Broad strokes, in his early twenties, he managed to achieve titles some jockeys never reach during their whole career.
Initial Foray Into Competitive Horse Racing
Tom’s first ride was the horse from Hannon’s stables named Here For Good. It happened in November 2014. Only three weeks later, at Kempton, Tom won his first race for Richard Hannon and the Middleham Park Racing Club on Mecado at the age of sweet sixteen (it was Tom who was sixteen, not the horse ). With 67 victories for Hannon, his boss at the time, Marquand was included in the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year final three shortlist in 2015.
Early Achievements and Wins
Tom won his first Group race while riding aboard Anna Nerium at Salisbury in 2017. Then, he gained his first international victory riding Oh This Is Us in Dubai. These were the first major achievements in Tom’s career.
Key Milestones in His Riding Career
Following a massive haul of victories, Marquand took the risky decision to relocate to Australia in pursuit of greater success and experience. His notable performances include a win at the Inglis Millenium at Warwick Farm aboard Prime Star and the first Group One triumph at Rosehill in the Ranvet Stakes aboard the vibrant Addeybb. After this successful galore Down Under, Marquand earned his nickname “Aussie Tom.”
Major Career Achievements
It is crucial for racing syndicators to have a premier jockey like Tom Marquand riding their horses. A good jockey can make a big difference in a horse’s performance on the track by riding the horse strategically, timing their moves perfectly, and communicating with the mare. This is especially important in competitive races where the margin between winning and losing can be quite small. These races are super thrilling for punters who place their wagers on their favorite sports betting site.
Long story short, Tom’s major achievements include the following wins:
Champion Stakes on Addeybb in Great Britain (2020);
St. Leger Stakes on Galileo Chrome in Great Britain (2020);
Ranvet Stakes on Addeybb in Australia (2020);
July Cup on Starman in Great Britain (2021);
Tattersalls Gold Cup on Alenquer in Ireland (2022);
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Bayside Boy in Great Britain (2022);
Prix de Royallieu on Sea La Rosa in France (2022);
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Big Evs in the United States (2023).
Riding Style and Strengths
Although the trainer of the horse usually gives the jockey instructions on how to ride, most trainers trust the top jockeys to ride the horse depending on how the race unfolds. Just for your information, horses can run in four major ways: held-up, mid-division, prominent, and led. Some horses simply must lead; otherwise, they will fight the rider, tire out too quickly, and be out of the race long before it’s over. Other horses must be held up to a certain point since they were trained to lead near the finish.
The ability to settle the horse as soon as possible, regardless of the race distance, is one of the most valuable skills for any jockey. Tom Marquand does it perfectly. He can easily establish a connection with the horse and make this animal follow his lead with all the trust. This is his main super power as a jockey.
Challenges and Resilience
Since horse riding is a traumatic sport, most jockeys suffer both minor and major injuries during their career paths. Tom is no exception. After he arrived in Australia in February 2023, he was involved in a fall that left him with a concussion and a shoulder injury. Despite this unfortunate setback, he managed to ride Dubai Honour to victory in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April of the same year. Once back in England, on May 5, 2023, Marquand was kicked during the way to the start at Newmarket and sustained another injury. That weekend, he was unable to participate in the 2000 and 1000 Guineas races.
Stories of Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles
In 2023, both Tom and his wife Hollie had to face surgeries due to professional injuries. Tom dislocated his shoulder in a heavy fall while in Australia, and Hollie broke her elbow. The power couple decided to undergo lengthy rehab together, hoping it could serve as the quality time they desperately lacked due to their busy careers. It did not work out. Marquand admitted it was a harsh period with both of them unhappy and grumpy. However, the duo managed to fully recover and are now stronger than ever as a couple.
Personal Life and Interests
Tom is happily married to Hollie Doyle who used to be his long-time girlfriend. He got to know Hollie, who is also a jockey, through pony racing at the age of 13 and they have been advancing their careers together for more than 10 years. During their professional lives they managed to accomplish career milestones that many jockeys can only dream of.
Tom and Hollie got married in 2022 after announcing their engagement on social media in January 2021. The couple shares a Berkshire home close to Hungerford. When they have time, they like to go skiing and enjoy sleeping in and then sharing breakfast at their favorite local spots. However, Tom admits this doesn’t happen too often as they usually compete in different parts of the country and do not have much quality time together. Plus, Mr. Marquand has to watch his diet due to professional requirements. Obviously, he is not allowed to gain extra weight.
Recent Successes and Current Status
Tom is a very active jockey with a full commitment to his craft. He is fully booked for August 2024 with races upcoming in Great Britain and France.
Recent Major Wins and Performances
A notable milestone in his career happened in September 2023, when Tom achieved a landmark 1000 British winners in the Andy Payne Fillies’ Handicap at Windsor. Marquand expressed utmost gratitude to those who helped him reach this point in his career and supported him all the way through.
Current Projects and Future Prospects
Rumor has it that Tom and Hollie are planning to relocate to Hong Kong in the near future. They are both more than welcome there. Marquand has left a positive impression during his five brief visits to the city, and he was left thinking about a possible future in Hong Kong after taking part in the International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC).
Impact and Legacy
It is too early to claim any legacy since Tom is only 26 years old. However, he is definitely one of the role models for the jockeys-to-be with his passion, strength, and ultimate love for what he does. He is quite honest with his audience about his professional and personal challenges, which makes him a real person, just a blond lad next door with a charming smile. And that is exactly who he is!
Conclusion
Tom Marquand is a treasure. Being young and eager, he gives it all to his craft of jockeyship. He is also lucky to be married to his kindred spirit, Hollie, who shares his passion for horse racing. The couple is riding at the same level and are looking into new career opportunities in new locations. Way to go, Tom!
