Ex-Godolphin jockey James Doyle set to ride for Roger Varian this year alongside money-spinning role for Wathnan Racing
TOP jockey James Doyle looks set to link up with leading trainer Roger Varian this Flat season.
The Classic-winning rider recently quit his job as number two rider for Godolphin to become retained jock for ultra-wealthy Qatari outfit Wathnan Racing.
PAJames Doyle will link up with Roger Varian this year after leaving his job with Godolphin[/caption]
Wathnan will only have a small squad of horses, though, and several big trainers have been interested in securing the services of Doyle, 35, this summer.
Among them is Newmarket heavyweight Varian, who was forced to look for a new jockey after David Egan took the job as number one for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing.
Doyle has ridden several big winners for the yard over the years, including at Royal Ascot on Mountain Angel and in the Balmoral Handicap on Sharja Bridge, and he looks set to benefit from Egan’s departure.
The jockey said: “I rode a little bit for Roger on the Sheikh Obaid horses and we had a nice bit of success together.
“We get on well and hopefully that (relationship) is something we can keep pushing forward this year.”
The ‘Doyler’ also revealed he would love to have a tilt at the jockeys’ title, though he reckons William Buick and Oisin Murphy will be tough nuts to crack.
But with the support of a yard like Varian’s – as well as occasional rides from old allies Simon and Ed Crisford and even Charlie Appleby – he will likely give it a go.
Plus, he will have a squad of talented blue bloods to ride for his new bosses at Wathnan, the racing operation of the Emir of Qatar.
They splashed the cash at the sales in 2023 and already have a team of Group-class horses in training, including classy stayers Courage Mon Ami and Gregory.
Doyle, who will return to the saddle in March having taken some time off to deal with a ‘niggle’, added: “I can’t wait to get going, it’s very exciting.
“Wathnan have bought a few yearlings at Book One and I’m sure they’ll be looking for more quality as the year goes on.
“I’d love to give the jockeys’ championship a good go but I’m going to take it as it comes.
“William is in a good position, I’m sure he and Oisin will tussle it out again but you never know. It’s something I’d love to do one day.
“One thing that’s against me is my weight, I can’t do much lower than nine stone. But heavier jockeys have done it before, so I will take it week by week when we get going.”
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