James Doyle to ride in Australia

British-based Godolphin jockey James Doyle is to take up riding duties in Australia as a replacement for James McDonald.
 
It is intended that Doyle, who has ridden on previous occasions in Australia as part of Godolphin’s global approach to its operations, will take up duties with the stable in early December.
 
Godolphin Managing Director in Australia Henry Plumptre reiterated that Godolphin would support McDonald while stewards in Sydney investigated allegations made against him.
 
“While we continue to support James McDonald over the period of the investigation, we also have a racing stable to run and James Doyle, who is a retained jockey for Godolphin, is one of the best jockeys in the world. With the winter recess in the UK, he is available to ride in Australia for Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed and we are delighted to have him,” Plumptre said.
 
O’Shea welcomed the engagement, praising Doyle as a “consummate professional”.

“We’re blessed to have another world-class rider to step in when needed. James has been a member of our team here in Australia in the past and has always fitted in extremely well,” O’Shea said.

“He’s been in good form this season and we’re looking forward to having a jockey with his experience joining the team.”
 
Doyle, 28, who began riding in 2004, has ridden 17 Group One winners in four countries and among his stakes win this season was the G2 Middleton Stakes at York on the recent Zipping Classic winner, Beautiful Romance.
 
“I have really enjoyed my visits to Melbourne and Sydney to ride for Godolphin in feature races like the Golden Slipper and Cox Plate over the past two seasons,” commented Doyle.

“This is a great opportunity to spend more time in Australia and I am looking forward to the challenge."