Leading jockey Kerrin McEvoy has ended his association with global racing powerhouse Godolphin effective immediately. McEvoy announced the shock news on Tuesday morning, indicating the time was right to end his 11-year association with Sheikh Mohammed and become a freelance rider in Sydney.

McEvoy decided that the time was right to end his fulltime role with Sheikh Mohammed's racing operation and ride freelance in Sydney. The stable has been undergoing some changes in the early part of this season with a change of trainer and a change in brand in the last few months, reports Racing & Sports.

McEvoy will continue to ride for Godolphin in a freelance role if the opportunity arises but his fulltime position has ended after he spoke to Darley's John Ferguson overnight.Godolphin and McEvoy shared plenty of success over the years with highlights including Group 1's aboard Dubawi and Shamardal in Europe as well as a Caulfield Cup aboard All The Good Horseform in 2008. He also won 23 Group 1's in Darley colours in Australia. “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. "I am indebted to Sheik Mohammed and the whole team for their support over the journey and I wish them all the best for the future. It has been great getting the continued support of many excellent trainers outside of Darley and I am really looking forward to developing some new and renewing some old relationships around Australia in the coming months. I have some incredibly fond memories working alongside great racing people both overseas and at home. Some highlights include Dubawi (Prix Jacques Le Marois), Shamardal (St James' Palace Stks), All the Good (Caulfield Cup), Rule of Law (2nd English Derby and English St Leger), Sepoy (Golden Slipper) and Helmet (Caulfield Guineas)."