Dubai: James Doyle and William Buick, two of the most talented and exciting jockeys in the business, have been drafted by Godolphin following a major shake-up by the Dubai-owned operation.

Doyle and Buick, both aged 26, will become first jockeys to the stable’s twin trainers, Saeed Bin Surour and Charlie Appleby respectively, when their contractual roles begin at the start of the 2015 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan on January 8.

When required, Doyle and Buick will also don Godolphin’s famous royal blue colours in Ireland, France, the United States, Australia and Japan, and will interlink with each yard and form crossover cover when commitments allow, said a statement posted on the Godolphin website on Monday.

Former retained rider Silvestre De Sousa has not had his contract renewed.

The brainchild of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Godolphin has won more than 2,600 races in 12 countries and across four continents since it was established in 1992.

Buick, who will end his one-year-old retainership with Derby-winning trainer John Gosden at the end of the season, said: “I have been very fortunate to have been employed by John Gosden since I completed my apprenticeship and, without his faith and wise counsel I would not be in the position that I am in today to take what is, in my opinion, the most coveted position in world racing.

“No jockey has had a better mentor. Now I am looking forward to sharing the Godolphin riding arrangements with my very good friend James.

“Both of us have had to make hard decisions but no one has made a commitment to world racing like Shaikh Mohammad and it is an honour for both of us to be invited to be a part of his team.”

Doyle, who just four years ago contemplated going on a plumbing course when his career hit a roadblock, said he was looking forward to donning the Godolphin silks after finishing his contract as retained UK rider for multiple Group 1 winning owner Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

“I have had a wonderful season riding for Juddmonte and Prince Khalid, during which I was fortunate to ride the best horse of my career so far in Kingman,” said the Cambridge-born Doyle.

“I shall always be eternally grateful for that one-year contract, which leaves me with great memories. Now I look forward to sharing riding duties with William at Godolphin and continuing to achieve great things in the world of horse racing.”

Bin Surour, Godolphin’s long-serving handler and four-time British Championship trainer, said: “This is a great arrangement. I have already had success with both James and William.

“James has ridden Group horses for me this year and has proved himself on a world stage and I will also have access to William, which is terrific.”

Appleby, who began training for Godolphin in July last year, added: “I honestly could not be happier because I will now be able to use two of the best jockeys in the world. William has global experience at the highest level and worked very closely with me this season.

“We have already had Group One success with Charming Thought in the Middle Park and having James to call on as well is a massive bonus.”

John Ferguson, Shaikh Mohammad’s long-time bloodstock adviser, put the dramatic developments in perspective.

“Shaikh Mohammad has always respected both William and James and, when their availability was confirmed at the end of this [British] season, he was keen to secure their services for the future.

“I think this is yet another clear indication of Godolphin’s continued pursuit of excellence in both horses and humans.”