Doyle eager to make his mark in Australia

James Doyle views the unexpected opportunity to ride as Godolphin's No 1 jockey in Australia as a chance to showcase his talents on the international scene.

Doyle, who eased himself into the new role with one ride at Canterbury on Wednesday (2nd on Miami Dade), will be much busier at Rosehill on Saturday when he takes on more responsibility for the stable.

"I am excited about it," Doyle said. "Not too many European jockeys have ever had the chance to do anything like this, and I am greatly looking forward to it.

"I have been here before, riding in Sydney and Melbourne, but it will be very different this time. Before, I was riding the second and third best in big races, but now I will be on the first choice," he pointed out.

Doyle, one of Godolphin's retained jockeys in the UK, received the call to go to Australia when James McDonald stood himself down pending the outcome of an official inquiry into alleged betting activities.

Doyle said: "I am fully aware that much will depend on performance. I will be working on everything -- adapting to the tempo of the races, working out tactics, analysing and getting to know the local tracks.

"In the UK, you jump out of the gates, settle your horse and chill out, the pace tends to build up steadily. Down here, though, you have to break smartly from the barrier, get a good position, and be ready to quicken up at the top of the straight.

"What I thought was nice about getting this chance was that John O'Shea spoke to me first about coming down. It is great to have the confidence of a man such as John behind you.

"When I joined Godolphin, one of the most appealing features of the job was the global opportunities it might bring. This is a great chance for me to showcase what I can do as a jockey internationally and I will be making the most of it," Doyle said.

Doyle’s first Saturday racing in his latest role has him on four runners for Godolphin’s head Australian trainer John O’Shea and another outside ride.

Of the Godolphin quartet, Doyle is impressed with the two-year-old Trekking, a son of Street Cry who makes his debut at Rosehill.

“I liked the way he went when he won his trial and it would be great to get an early winner in,” he said.