Godolphin sign James Doyle and William Buick
- Published
William Buick rode Godolphin's Charming Thought to victory in the Middle Park Stakes
Godolphin have signed young jockeys James Doyle and William Buick for the 2015 Flat season.
Buick will ride as first jockey to trainer Charlie Appleby and Doyle will be retained as first-choice rider for Saeed bin Suroor.
The pair of 26-year-olds will also provide cover for each other.
They flew out to Dubai on Sunday to meet Sheikh Mohammed, who is determined to revive Godolphin's fortunes after a disappointing 2014.
BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght |
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Although Buick has been long tipped for a Godolphin role, the news about Doyle comes completely out of the blue. Though his contract riding for owner Prince Khalid Abdullah was technically up for grabs, renewal was rated a formality, and the Prince's people have stated the decision was 'certainly' the jockey's. The surprise was all the greater because owner and rider can be said to have enjoyed more conspicuous success in 2014 than Godolphin, notably with top miler Kingman and Frankel's brother, Noble Mission. |
Buick rode Appleby's Charming Thought to victory in last month's Middle Park Stakes, external for their sole success at Group One Level in Europe this year.
Appleby said: "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. Having James to call on as well is a massive bonus."
Doyle and Buick's first contractual role for Godolphin will be to ride at next year's Dubai Carnival,, external which starts on January 8.
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