The uncertainty surrounding the immediate future of Godolphin's No. 1 Australian rider James McDonald has forced the global racing giant to send England-based James Doyle out as his replacement.
The 28-year-old, who is a Group 1 winner in four different countries, is expected to take up duties with the stable early in December.
McDonald is currently unable to ride after he last week stood himself down following an investigation into allegations he was involved in a bet on racehorse Astern at the colt's debut at Randwick last December.
Godolphin Managing Director in Australia Henry Plumptre reiterated that McDonald would continue to receive support while stewards in Sydney investigated allegations made against him.
"While we continue to support James McDonald over the period of the investigation, we also have a racing stable to run and James Doyle, who is a retained jockey for Godolphin, is one of the best jockeys in the world," Plumptre said.
"With the winter recess in the UK, he is available to ride in Australia for Godolphin and Sheikh Mohammed and we are delighted to have him."
Godolphin's Australian-based trainer John O'Shea welcomed the engagement, praising Doyle as a 'consummate professional'.
"We're blessed to have another world-class rider to step in when needed. James has been a member of our team here in Australia in the past and has always fitted in extremely well," O'Shea said.
Doyle, who began riding in 2004, has ridden 17 Group 1 winners.
"I have really enjoyed my visits to Melbourne and Sydney to ride for Godolphin in feature races like the Golden Slipper and Cox Plate over the past two seasons," he said.
"This is a great opportunity to spend more time in Australia and I am looking forward to the challenge."