McEvoy Steps Down as Godolphin Jockey
Description:
Kerrin McEvoy has ended his 12-year tenure as a retained rider for Godolphin and Darley's Australian racing operations and plans to ride freelance, including aboard Godolphin runners.
The rider cited no reason for his resignation from full-time duties other than he felt the time was right to pursue other opportunities.
"I have been blessed to have been given this amazing opportunity to ride for Godolphin and Darley all over the world—it has been a life-changing experience," McEvoy said in a press release issued by his management. "I am indebted to Sheikh Mohammed and the whole team for their support over the journey and I wish them all the best for the future.
"Some of my (group I) highlights include Dubawi (2005 Prix Jacques Le Marois), Shamardal (2005 St. James's Palace Stakes), All the Good (2008 Caulfield Cup), Rule of Law (2005 St. Leger, 2nd Epsom Derby), Sepoy (2011 Golden Slipper) and Helmet (2011 Caulfield Guineas)."
McEvoy was appointed Godolphin's number two rider behind Frankie Dettori after piloting Beekeeper to a third-place finish in the 2002 Melbourne Cup (Aus-I). In 2008, he was tapped as the rider of first call in Australia under trainer Peter Snowden. Since May 5, he had been employed under Godolphin's new trainer John O'Shea.
"Kerrin came in to see me last week to discuss his future and indicated that he would like to continue his career as a freelance jockey," Godolphin racing manager Henry Plumptre said Sept. 23. "Given the length of service and considerable expertise that he has given both to Darley and Godolphin, I agreed with him that our relationship would end today.
"From our perspective and that of the whole Australian team, we are very sad to lose his services day to day but expect to see him on Godolphin horses on a regular basis in his new role as a freelance rider. Kerrin has been an integral part of our success in Australia since 2008 and, on behalf of the whole Darley and Godolphin operation in Australia we wish him and Cathy (his wife) the very best for the future".
McEvoy, who plans to remain in Sydney, said he was looking forward to developing some new relationships with horsemen and renewing some old ones around Australia in the coming months.