Doyle dreaming of more big-race joy

JAMES Doyle is likely to be rewarded for a breakthrough win on Cityscape in Meydan on Saturday by landing most of the rides for trainer Roger Charlton this year, including on Classic hope Top Offer.

By winning the Group One Dubai Duty Free, Doyle’s mount earned nearly £2million in under two minutes, more than all Doyle’s winners in eight years of riding.

Doyle’s textbook display, kicking Cityscape clear over two furlongs out to beat a world-class field of riders, came on his first Group One mount and reinforced the view of some analysts of jockeys that the 23-year-old has excelled on moderate horses without getting the breaks.

That looks set to change with the support of Charlton, who has lost the services of Steve Drowne in the near future as he undergoes neurological tests after experiencing dizzy spells.

Doyle had only 16 rides for Charlton last year but the trainer said: ‘If Top Offer runs in the Greenham, I would expect James to ride. He will ride the majority of my horses. I feel very sorry for Steve but you have to move on.

‘James rode 76 winners last year and there is noone above him in the list who is available or who I would want.

I think he has learnt greatly from his experience riding in Dubai this winter. The fact his performances have been highlighted in the statistics helps your argument when selling him to owners. You can sell Ryan Moore and Richard Hughes anytime.

‘ Not everyone is brave enough to put their heads on the block and try something completely different and (owner) Prince Khaled Abdullah was quite brave to let him ride Cityscape (left).’ While that horse is likely to have international targets, Top Offer offers exciting chances at home. The colt is 6-1 second favourite for the 2,000 Guineas, although he must step up considerably from his Newbury maiden win to justify those odds.

For Doyle, who rode 23 winners in Dubai over the winter and whose sister Sophie is a leading female jockey, the surge in his fortunes is reward for battling through a quiet time after he lost his apprentice claim and almost enrolled on a plumbing course.

Doyle, who rides Lesley’s Choice at Lingfield today, said: ‘I only had 28 winners that year, which wasn’t that bad but I had always said I did not want to become a journeyman jockey struggling to make a living.’

Now not swapping his whip for a wrench can pay off.