Cambridge jockey James Doyle announces departure from Godolphin after agreeing to Wathnan Racing link up

Cambridge-born jockey James Doyle has made a major career decision.

The 35-year-old has spent the previous nine years as a retained rider with Godolphin as part of their Newmarket operation.

And his stint at Moulton Paddocks has seen numerous highs, including last year’s QIPCO 2,000 Guineas victory on-board the Charlie Appleby-trained Coroebus.

However, from the start of next year Doyle has accepted the role of being the number one rider for Wathnan Racing.

Wathnan Racing, who have a stable of horses including Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami, is a growing outfit owned by Sheikh Tamim, the emir of Qatar.

Doyle, who has been the number two at Godolphin behind the current champion jockey William Buick, said: “It is a tremendous honour for me to sign for Wathnan.

“It's an amazing opportunity for me going forward with His Highness Sheikh Tamim’s Wathnan Racing and I’m greatly looking forward to working with Olly Tait, Richard Brown and the rest of the team.

“I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, Charlie Appleby and everyone at Godolphin for the unstinting support they’ve given me over the last nine years.

“It’s been a wonderful time and I have enjoyed literally every moment. But this is an incredible new venture and I can’t wait to get started in January.”