Superb jockey James Doyle has been given the opportunity as Godolphin's number one rider for Royal Ascot with normal rider William Buick still out of action after he recovers from a nasty fall that has left him with post head-injury syndrome.
The Doyler is set to pick up rides on some of Godolphin's greatest ever horses that he would not of had the chance to if it was not for the unfortunate circumstances that do see Buick miss the prestigious Royal meeting.
However, with that being out of Doyle's hands he has to get on with it an he is set to saddle the likes of Masar, Cross Counter, Blue Point and Barney Roy at the five-day royal meeting, which starts on Tuesday, June 18.
James Doyle has over the last few years become one of the best jockeys in the world picking up more and more rides, for some superb trainers and with that being given better horses to ride which has accumulated in more wins on his CV.
Group 1 victories have followed with this in Britain but also across the world in other countries like that United Arab Emirates and Australia but he is yet to land a black type win in England for trainer Charlie Appleby.
(Credit Racing Post) Appleby said: "James will be riding the horses at Ascot. William is stepping up on his gym work and he looks great, bright and fresh. He's just getting a bit frustrated sitting on the sidelines.
"They both work well as friends and as a team, and William has given James all the information he can on the likes of Blue Point and Cross Counter. James is fortunate he's been riding the pair of them this morning and he's been happy with them."
The sad story of William Buick missing some of the big festivals this year is not what racing fans want to see but it is part and parcel of the sport.
Buick took a nasty fall on his way to the start of a race at Ascot on 10th May and from there has missed the Derby festival and has not been seen on a race-track since 11th May.
Appleby spoke about when the rider would return and said: "He has not given us a date when he's going to come back and I said to him this morning there's no urgency.
"We all know it's a long season and as important as Royal Ascot is, William's not going to turn up when he doesn't feel he's 100 per cent. He's always been a complete professional with his fitness. When he's ready, he'll tell us and we'll be ready for him."