DOYLE’S SADDLE WILL TRAVEL
JAMES Doyle will be racking up the air miles as he fulfils his position with Godolphin.
Doyle has been based in Australia as cover for James McDonald, who is serving a 18-month ban for a betting infringement.
Newmarket’s Craven meeting starts next week on Tuesday and Doyle will jet in after riding at Randwick in Sydney on Saturday.
Over the spring and summer he will be riding mainly in the UK but no doubt will return to Australia if needed.
“It’s a bit of a quiet time in Australia and the season is getting busier over here so it suits us well to bring James back,” said Jim Clarke, assistant racing manager to Godolphin.
“There will be a few races where we will have multiple runners, so it’s great to have William Buick and James available.”
Doyle enjoyed a successful spell in Oz with 20 winners but did have to spend five weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.
“I have enjoyed riding in Sydney again,” said Doyle.
“It was a great experience and I was fortunate to ride some very good horses for Godolphin. Now, I’m looking forward to ® getting back for the Craven Meeting at Newmarket.
“It seems there are quite a few Godolphin horses in the picture for the Guineas, and I am looking forward to stepping up to the plate.”
Godolphin will also be able to call on the services of Buick during the Craven meeting after the rider’s eight-day ban was quashed when the BHA opted not to contest his appeal against the suspension.
With Aintree out of the way there is another National looming with the Irish version taking place at Fairyhouse on Monday.
There has been sustained support for the Jessica Harrington-trained Our Duke.
“Jessica Harrington has had a fantastic few months and, so it’s no surprise to see such strong support for Our Duke, who has now gone clear favourite for the Irish Grand National,” said Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes.
Our Duke is a 6-1 shot from 10s.