Ex-Godolphin jockey James Doyle will ride for Roger Varian this year
TOP jockey James Doyle looks set to team up with leading trainer Roger Varian this Flat season.
The Classic-winning driver recently quit his job as Godolphin’s number two to work as a jock for ultra-wealthy Qatari Wathnan Racing.
However, Wathnan will only have a small squad of horses at his disposal, with several major trainers interested in securing the services of 35-year-old Doyle this summer.
Among them is Newmarket heavyweight Varian, who was forced to look for a new jockey after David Egan took over the number one job for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing.
Doyle has ridden several big winners for the yard over the years, including at Royal Ascot at Mountain Angel and in the Balmoral Handicap at Sharja Bridge, and he looks set to benefit from Egan’s departure.
The jockey said: “I rode a short distance for Roger on the Sheikh Obaid horses and we had a great success together.
“We get along great and hopefully that relationship is something we can continue to foster this year.”
The ‘Doyler’ also revealed he would like a shot at the jockey title, although he thinks William Buick and Oisin Murphy will be tough nuts to crack.
But with the backing of a yard like Varian’s – and the occasional ride from old allies Simon and Ed Crisford and even Charlie Appleby – he’ll probably give it a try.
Moreover, he will have a team of talented bluebloods to drive for his new bosses at Wathnan, the racing company of the Emir of Qatar.
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They have blown the money on the 2023 sale and already have a team of group class horses in training, including stylish stayers Courage Mon Ami and Gregory.
Doyle, who will be back in the saddle in March after taking some time off due to an ‘issue’, added: “I can’t wait to get started, it’s very exciting.
“Wathnan has purchased a few yearlings from Book One and I am sure they will be looking for more quality as the year progresses.
“I would like to give the jockey championship a chance, but I’ll take it as it comes.
“William is in a good position, I’m sure he and Oisin will battle it out again, but you never know. It’s something I’d love to do someday.
“One thing that goes against me is my weight. I can’t go much lower than nine stone. But heavier jockeys have done it before, so I’ll take it week by week as we get going.
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