NASHWA provided Hollie Doyle with her first classic success after a thrilling victory in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.

Doyle, from Ivington, had tasted success at Royal Ascot days earlier but went one better in France on Sunday to win her first classic race.

Nashwa with Doyle on board was prominent from the off and she travelled smoothly into the home straight alongside the well fancied Agave.

After seeing her off, 50-1 shot La Parisienne powered home to throw down a late challenge, but Nashwa and Doyle knuckled down admirably to pass the post narrowly in front.

"It feels pretty good," said Doyle.

"When I was pulling up I couldn't find the words to describe it really.

"I've got a lot of people to thank. Without Imad Al Sagar (owner) I don't know if I would ever have been in the position to get an opportunity like this. "These types of horses are hard to come upon and I'm only 25, so it's relatively early on in my career and I feel pretty lucky.

"I felt very vulnerable at the two-furlong pole, I'm not going to lie. It was a muddling race and I felt beforehand someone would be a bit more decisive pace-wise than they were.

"I didn't really want to be where I was, but she was very relaxed and happy to be one off the rail with a bit of company either side.

"She's versatile and responsive when needs be. When the second horse came to my girths she really dug deep, which was great to see."

The rider was congratulated shortly after her victory by her husband Tom Marquand, who finished seventh aboard Zellie.

Doyle added: "I think he was just as happy as I was. We're always pretty happy for each other, so I think he was delighted.

"If you'd said to me three years ago that I would be riding in a classic for Mr Gosden I'd have laughed.

"To be in this position is incredible and when you ride at this level, the trainer has done all they can and the owner has put you in position, it's down to me on the day.

"I just expect a lot from myself and I don't want to let people down. You have to prepare yourself to be at your best when given the opportunity and that's what I try and do."

John Gosden was full of praise for Doyle, saying: "The owner-breeder Imad Al Sagar said to me two or three years ago that he had two or three jockeys he was looking at and wanted to retain a jockey.

"He showed me the list and I said 'Hollie Doyle', and I know other people would back me on that.

"She's hugely talented and horses run for her. She's incredibly meticulous and hard-working and she analyses things properly.

"The race didn't work out how we thought, but we did have the Plan B to stay forward if that occurred and she's shown herself as a class rider and the filly is a class filly who was beautifully ridden."