Doyle’s ‘great honour’ at Abdullah role

James Doyle spoke of his “great honour” at being appointed retained jockey for Khalid Abdullah’s UK-trained horses as he prepares to kick off the new association aboard 2000 Guineas favourite Kingman at Sandown tomorrow.

Doyle’s star has been in the ascendancy over the last couple of seasons, winning the Dubai Duty Free in the Abdullah silks on the Roger Charlton-trained Cityscape last year.

The 25-year-old has won a further three Group Ones this season for Charlton aboard Al Kazeem.