Tom Marquand is packing his bags again and heading to Australia on what could be a near three-month stay.
After a successful first stint in Japan at the end of last year, where the locals christened him ‘Tokyo Tom’, he is returning to Sydney where he has become known by the nickname ‘Aussie Tom’.
When last in New South Wales in 2021, Marquand rode eight winners, which included a second successive victory on Addeybb in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, after having to spend 14 days in hotel isolation to obey COVID-19 restrictions.
“I am all set to ride on February 4,” said Marquand, 24. “I am going to be there for the Carnival so I guess I won’t be back till April, depending on what rides I get.”
Though Addeybb has retired Marquand will be boosted by the presence of other members of the William Haggas stable with the Newmarket trainer preparing four horses for the six-week Sydney Autumn Carnival which features 18 Group 1 races worth over £22 million.
Group 2 winners Dubai Honour and Purplepay are set to travel along with handicappers Earl Of Tyrone and Protagonist, both now owned by Melbourne Cup-winning syndicate Australian Bloodstock.
“By the sounds of it I will be kept busy enough by Australian stables and hopefully if those horses of William’s get down there in good form, they can help out the effort,” said Marquand who has ridden 42 winners in his last three visits to Sydney.
“Last time I was locked up for 14 days which was pretty average. I’m best known for being on Addeybb down there but I had a few really good trips down there before I jumped on him.
“I’m looking forward to it. I love riding there and I always come back home feeling good and riding well.”
At the end of last year Marquand and wife Hollie Doyle spent two months riding in Japan. He rode 16 winners.
Doyle is recovering from a broken elbow, confirmed this week after a fall at Wolverhampton, and will remain at home for the time being.
“It would be nice if she could come out, but for the first couple of weeks at least she will be sticking around, going to Oaksey House, getting scans and making sure the first part of her recovery goes well,” he said.
“I suppose there might be a middle part of her recovery that will allow her to do it somewhere else but I know she won’t be coming out on holiday if there is any chance of it not helping her recovery time.”
