Doyle Heads To Australia As Godolphin Lay Foundations For Autumn Campaign

James Doyle is gearing up for a lightning visit to Sydney later this month as Godolphin lay the foundations for a busy Australian autumn campaign.

But despite the imminent arrival of the talented Doyle, and several weeks later his British colleague William Buick, James McDonald will still have first call on the Godolphin horses in the John O'Shea stable, most importantly in the Golden Slipper.

John Ferguson, Bloodstock Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, said: "We are a global stable, and we want to be able to use our young riding talent most effectively wherever there is top class racing.

"James McDonald will continue to get the first choice of ours in Sydney, but we would also like to have our contracted jockeys James Doyle and William Buick as back up, and to achieve this, we would like them to experience the very different rhythm and style of Australian racing as soon as possible.

"John O'Shea has requested James Doyle ride Hartnell at Warwick Farm on February 28. He could have ridden in the Blue Diamond in Melbourne that day, but John felt he would get more experience up with him in Sydney.

"He will also ride in a few barrier trials early the following week," Ferguson pointed out.

"James will miss riding Cavalryman at Meydan that weekend - William will take over. Then, after Super Saturday in Dubai on March 7, William will head down to Australia for his stint."

Godolphin are looking forward to testing the water with both Hartnell and It's Somewhat, two stayers shipped out to join O'Shea at the end of last year.