James Doyle will quit Godolphin to ride for the Emir of Qatar’s fast-growing Wathnan Racing operation in 2024, a move the jockey described Oct. 30 as an “amazing opportunity.”
Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim, whose brother Sheikh Joaan operates Al Shaqab Racing and cousin Sheikh Fahad acts as principal for Qatar Racing, has rapidly expanded his racing interests this year. He celebrated a Royal Ascot double courtesy of Courage Mon Ami in the Gold Cup (G1) and Gregory in the Queen’s Vase (G2).
Doyle, 35, partnered the Sheikh Tamim-owned Ballymount Boy to victory in the listed Prospect Stakes at Doncaster on Oct. 28, and will be seen more regularly in the owner’s blue, beige, and red silks next year.
He said: “It is a tremendous honor for me to sign for Wathnan. It’s an amazing opportunity for me going forward with His Highness Sheikh Tamim’s Wathnan Racing.”
Doyle will leave Godolphin at the end of 2023 after spending nine years retained by Sheikh Mohammed’s organization, having previously been first jockey for Khalid Abdullah.
Initially, Doyle was signed to ride as No. 1 to Saeed bin Suroor, with William Buick holding the same role with Charlie Appleby. However, Doyle lost his position with bin Suroor in 2016 and was absorbed into Appleby’s team at Moulton Paddocks, where he predominantly rode as second jockey to Buick.
