James Doyle, one of Godolphin's two UK-based jockeys, left Britain on Tuesday for Australia, where he is to partner the John O'Shea-trained Telperion in Saturday's G1 Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.
One feature of the long-haul flight from London to Sydney is there is plenty of time for a passenger to think. With one change in Dubai, the journey takes 21 hours on an Emirates A380.
For a jockey with a forthcoming important ride that offers ample opportunity to run the race in the mind....over and over.
James Doyle, one of Godolphin's two UK-based jockeys, finds himself in that position, having left Britain on Tuesday for Australia, where he is to partner the John O'Shea-trained Telperion in Saturday's G1 Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.
Doyle has been a fine ambassador for Godolphin and Dubai. He rode in Sydney and Melbourne last year and will readily tell you that competing in the various racing capitals is one of the most appealing features of his job.
"I enjoy the challenge of adapting to racing in different countries, and Telperion looks to have a great chance," Doyle said.
"It was a great thrill to ride in the Slipper last year, and I am really looking forward to getting back to Sydney again," he added.
Doyle only recently returned to the saddle following an operation for the removal of his appendix. He bounced back with a winning treble at Meydan on his first day back, as if out to prove his fitness beyond all doubt.
"I rode on the 12th day after the operation" he reported. "I seemed to heal pretty quickly, thankfully, and those winners on my return came as a great confidence-boost," he added.
For jockeys based in Europe, Australian racing can come as a bit of a culture shock. It is hard and fast, with the emphasis mainly on races over distances up to one mile (1,600m).
"It is massively different," Doyle points out. "The straights are shorter, and races can become very tactical."
Telperion has drawn wide, but he goes into the race in sparkling form. Doyle said: "He showed nice acceleration when he won recently and his barrier trial last week was impressive.
"I know John O'Shea and the team will have him at his best on Saturday."
