Godolphin are preparing for another big flat season but who is behind the famous royal blue silks and is their retained jockey still the same this season?
Who Is Behind The Godolphin Operation In 2026?
Godolpin have been operating now for over 30 years and was founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the early 90s. And since then, the operation have won it all, including the Epsom Derby.
Although the Sheikh isn’t just owner of the world’s most famous horse racing operation. He’s also the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
It’s fair to say he’s the most powerful horse racing figure in all of the Middle East and UK.
Sheikh Mohammed also runs Darley Stud, which is a global breeding operation on the outskirts of Newmarket.
As well as success in Dubai and the United States, Godolphin have been crowned Champion Owner in Britain on 12 occasions.
The first runner and winner in the eye catching blue silks was Cutwater at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai on Christmas Eve of 1992.
Godolphin World Wide Race Statistics (1992-2026)
- Runs: 49,432
- Individual Runners: 7,799
- Wins: 9,559
- Stakes Wins: 2,319
- Group 1 Wins : 473
29.03.2014, Dubai, UAE, VEREINIGTE ARABISCHE EMIRATE – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
Who Trains Godolphin Horses In 2026?
Godolphin are represented by two retained trainers in the UK, but it’s mainly Charlie Appleby who has the lion’s share of their horses.
Saeed bin Suroor also handles their horses and is Godolphin’s longest-serving trainer. He trains from his home base of Al Quoz Stables in Dubai from November to April and is based in the UK for the rest of the year. Bin Suroor landed a famous Epsom Oaks win with Kazzia in 2002.
Trainers such as John Gosden and Roger Varian also have a few Godolphin horses, but are not tied down to just training for the Sheikh like Bin Suroor and Appleby are.
In 2025, Godolphin’s best horse was actually from the Gosden yard. Ombudsman won two Group 1s as a four-year-old including the Juddmonte International.
He also came back as a five-year-old and won his seasonal reappearance when landing the Dubai Turf at Meydan. Watch that below.
WATCH: Ombudsman Wins 2026 Dubai Turf
Back in business! 🤩
Ombudsman makes a stylish return in the Dubai Turf! 🔵@godolphin | @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/hnQRzYjhG0
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 28, 2026
Godolphin Stable Jockey 2026
William Buick became Godolphin’s retained rider in 2015 and has ridden over 80 Group 1 winners for Sheikh Mohammed.
He had ridden for the owners before becoming their official retained rider.
Buick completed the famous Guineas double last season for the first time.
He partnered Ruling Court to glory in the 2000 Guineas and steered Desert Flower to success in the 1000 Guineas the following day.
Godolphin do make use of other jockeys too, when Buick isn’t available. Promising young jockey Billy Loughnane was used plenty in 2025 and is expected to be again this year.
James Doyle was Godolphin’s second jockey for a number of years, but now is the main man for Wathnan Racing, who are rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with.
WATCH: William Buick Completes Guineas Double Aboard Desert Flower
CLASS 💫
Desert Flower sees her race out strongly to justify short odds in the 1000 Guineas.
The boys in blue are on fire! 🟦 @Betfred | @WilliamBuickX | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/2eXxBdkYGd
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 4, 2025
