Top American jockey Jerry Bailey is to ride for Godolphin at Royal Ascot later this month, it was reported today.
Bailey, who partners Curule for the Dubai-based operation in today's final leg of the American triple crown, the Belmont Stakes, will wear the royal blue silks in the continued absence of the injured Frankie Dettori.
The 43-year-old has ridden two Kentucky Derby winners and landed the Dubai World Cup aboard the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Singspiel in 1997.
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told the Daily Mail: 'Jerry has done very well for Godolphin in the past and we have invited him for Royal Ascot.
'We expect to have over 20 runners and he will ride the cream of them.'
Bailey's possible mounts at the Royal meeting include Dubai Millennium in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Kayf Tara in the Gold Cup.
Godolphin have been criticised in some quarters for inviting Bailey's compatriot Chris McCarron to ride their main Classic hopes at Epsom this week rather than using a British-based jockey.
