Godolphin Signs Doyle, Buick as Stable Riders

The jockeys' new contracts will become effective after both have fulfilled their current riding arrangements.

 

Buick will leave his post as trainer John Gosden's top jockey, while Doyle nears the end of his agreement as retained rider for Juddmonte owner Khalid Abdullah.

 

Buick will ride as first jockey to Charlie Appleby, and Doyle will be retained as first choice rider for Saeed bin Suroor.

 

Both jockeys will interlink with each yard and form crossover cover when commitments allow. They will ride Godolphin horses in Great Britain trained by Gosden and other trainers as well. Horses that have raced for Gosden in the colors of Princess Haya will now be in the royal blue of Godolphin as an extension of the global branding of the organization.

 

Both jockeys will also ride horses that are stabled in Ireland, France, America, Australia, and Japan when required. Their first contractual role to Godolphin will be to ride for their respective yards throughout the Dubai Carnival in 2015.

 

Mickael Barzalona will continue to ride for Godolphin in France. Silvestre De Sousa's contract has not been renewed, Godolphin said.

 

"This is a great arrangement," Saeed bin Suroor said. "I have already had success with both James and William. James has ridden group horses for me this year and has proved himself on a world stage and I will also have access to William, which is terrific."

 

Appleby added: "I honestly could not be happier because I will now be able to use two of the best jockeys in the world. William has global experience at the highest level and worked very closely with me this season."

 

Doyle said: "I have had a wonderful season riding for Juddmonte and Prince Khalid during which I was fortunate to ride the best horse of my career so far in Kingman. Noble Mission was another great racehorse produced by Juddmonte that helped bring my career forward. I shall always be eternally grateful for that one-year contract which leaves me with great memories.

 

"Now I look forward to sharing riding duties with William at Godolphin and continuing to achieve great things in the world of horse racing."

 

Buick said: "I have been very fortunate to have been employed by John Gosden since I completed my apprenticeship, and without his faith and wise counsel I would not be in the position that I am in today to take what is, in my opinion, the most coveted position in world racing. John has shown me great loyalty and given me access to classic winners and success on a world stage. No jockey has had a better mentor.

 

"Now I am looking forward to sharing the Godolphin riding arrangements with my very good friend James. Both of us have had to make hard decisions but no one has made a commitment to world racing like Sheikh Mohammed and it is an honor for both of us to be invited to be a part of his team."

 

Buick and Doyle flew out London Nov. 9 to meet with Sheikh Mohammed in Dubai.

 

"Sheikh Mohammed has always respected both William and James and when their availability was confirmed at the end of this season he was keen to secure their services for the future," said John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock. "I think this is yet another clear indication of Godolphin's continued pursuit of excellence in both horses and humans."