McEvoy And Godolphin Part Ways

Kerrin McEvoy has resigned from his role as the stable jockey for the Godolphin operation and is set to continue his riding career as a freelance jockey in Sydney.

Kerrin McEvoy rode plenty of winners for Darley at the highest level of racing.

Kerrin McEvoy rode plenty of winners for Darley at the highest level of racing. Photo by: Daniel Costello

McEvoy started his association with Godolphin in 2002, after he impressed Sheik Mohammed with his Melbourne Cup winning ride on Brew in 2000, and he has been the number one rider for Darley and Godolphin since he returned to Australia in 2008.

The Group 1 winning hoop had plenty of success for Darley under the care of Peter Snowden, but his role in the operation following the takeover of John O’Shea as new head trainer.

McEvoy remained the number one jockey for the Godolphin operation, but O’Shea elected to give premiership winning hoop James McDonald more opportunities, while McEvoy picked up rides on non-Godolphin owned horses like Caulfield Cup contender Lucia Valentina.

A fortnight ago McEvoy publically confirmed his commitment to Godolphin and said he was excited by the opportunity to pick up more rides outside the global operation, but he revealed in a statement this morning that he has tended his resignation as Godolphin stable jockey in Australia.

McEvoy was quick to thank Sheik Mohammed for everything that he has done for his riding career and said that he was looking forward to the challenge of developing new relationships with trainers and owners right around Australia.

“I have some incredibly fond memories working alongside great racing people both overseas and at home,” McEvoy.

“Some highlights include Dubawi (Prix Jacques Le Marois), Shamardal (St James’ Palace Stakes ), All The Good (Caulfield Cup), Rule Of Law (English Derby and English St Leger), Sepoy (Golden Slipper) and Helmet (Caulfield Guineas).

“I have been blessed to have been given this amazing opportunity to ride for Godolphin and Darley all over the world and it has been a life changing experience.

“I am indebted to Sheik Mohammed and the whole team for their support over the journey and I wish them all the best for the future.

“It has been great getting the continued support of many excellent trainers outside of Darley and I am really looking forward to developing some new and renewing some old relationships around Australia in the coming months.”

In his 12 years with Godolphin, McEvoy rode over 500 winners for the operation and tasted success at the highest level of racing on 29 occasions in Australia, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.