GODOLPHIN have rejuventated their riding stocks with the signing of William Buick and James Doyle as their retained stable jockeys, reporets Racing Network.
Sheikh Mohammed, ruler of Dubai and financial backer of Godolphin, made his move through John Ferguson, the sheikh’s bloodstock advisor, to recruit Buick and Doyle.
Since the departure of long-standing No 1 jockey Frankie Dettori, Godolphin have used several jockeys including Silvestre De Sousa and Mickael Barzalona.
The contract of De Siusa has not been renewed while Barzalona will ride Godolphin horses in France when required.
Buick, 26, rode Gatewood in last week’s Melbourne Cup for John Gosden, whom he had been a retained rider and Prince Khalid Abdullah.
Doyle, also 26, was to have ridden Willing Foe in the Melbourne Cup, but was suspended on a whip charge after winning the British Championship Middle Distance Stakes on Noble Mission.
Buick will ride primarily for Charlie Appleby and Doyle for Saeed Bin Suroor with both jockeys taking up their contract from the start of next year’s Dubai carnival.
According to the Godolphin web site, both Buick and Doyle will also wear the Sheik’s royal blue colours around the world, including Australia, when required.
"Sheikh Mohammed has always respected both William and James and when their availability was confirmed at the end of this season he was keen to secure their services for the future,” Ferguson told the Godolphin web site.
“I think this is yet another clear indication of Godolphin's continued pursuit of excellence in both horses and humans."