Doyle to extend spell in Australia for Godolphin

James Doyle will miss the start of the domestic turf season next month as he is to remain in Australia to extend his stay in the wake of the sacking of his Godolphin counterpart James McDonald.

Doyle, who joined Sheikh Mohammed's organisation together with William Buick in November 2014, is to continue in his role as number one rider for Godolphin in Australia and is set to resume his duties on Wednesday after a fall at Randwick last month.

He said: "My wrist and knee have healed well and I am delighted to resume racing on Wednesday. It has been a frustrating few weeks missing out on some of the key autumn races.”

Jim Clarke, assistant racing manager to Godolphin, said: "James is hoping to pick up where he left off as he was enjoying a good spell. It's possible he'll return to ride in Britain in the summer but that is dependent on Godolphin commitments in Australia and Europe."