James Doyle signs Abdullah retainer

James Doyle has talked 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 on Saturday.

Despite having made a promising start to his career, Doyle endured a spell in the wilderness and said he had considered turning his back on racing by 2010. Two years later he was unveiled as stable jockey to Beckhampton-trainer Charlton, with whom he has struck up an excellent association. Doyle has won big races aboard the Charlton-trained Al Kazeem in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, the Coral-Eclipse and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. His Ascot success was the first leg of remarkable 892/1 three-timer on the card as Belgian Bill and Rizeena later struck in the Royal Hunt Cup and the Queen Mary Stakes respectively. Writing on his website, Charlton said he was delighted at the new role for Doyle. He said: "I am thrilled for James Doyle's new appointment as retained jockey for Juddmonte Farms and it is a wonderful opportunity for him. "Having won four Group One races for me recently I am not surprised that an operation as successful as Juddmonte Farms has recognised his talents." Abdullah's distinctive silks have recently become synonymous with Frankel, the great racehorse who retired last October unbeaten in 14 starts. As stable jockey to trainer Sir Henry Cecil, Tom Queally was ever present in the saddle aboard the colt, but has never been retained by Abdullah. The Prince's last UK-based retained rider was Richard Hughes, who held the position for seven years before the pair separated in 2007. Other high-profile Abdullah horses Doyle can look forward to riding include leading St Leger contender Excess Knowledge, Royal Ascot winner Remote, Nassau heroine Winsili, all trained by Gosden, and Lady Cecil's promising filly Joyeuse.