Mickael Barzalona will move to Newmarket in the spring after becoming a full-time member of the Godolphin team.
The 20-year-old Frenchman made his name riding for Andre Fabre in his native country, with the duo’s biggest success coming when Pour Moi powered home in the Derby at Epsom last June.
Barzalona has also been second jockey for leading French owners the Wertheimer brothers but after linking up successfully with Godolphin handlers Mahmood Al Zarooni and Saeed bin Suroor in recent times, he will now become part of their roster of riders.
He joins Frankie Dettori and fellow new recruit Silvestre de Sousa in riding for Sheikh Mohammed’s operation from March 31.
Simon Crisford, the Godolphin racing manager, told www.godolphin.com: “It is tremendous news that one of the world’s most talented riders, Mickael Barzalona, is joining Godolphin.
“He will work together with Frankie and Silvestre as a team of jockeys for the horses trained by Saeed bin Suroor and Mahmood Al Zarooni. They will all share the rides.”
Barzalona has partnered 35 winners for Godolphin, including the 2011 Prix Saint-Alary victor Wavering, Splash Point in the 2011 UAE 2000 Guineas, Khawlah in the 2011 UAE Derby, Kinglet in the 2012 UAE 2000 Guineas and Falls Of Lora in the 2012 UAE Oaks.
Barzalona said: “I would very much like to thank the Wertheimers for all their support and help over the last few years.
“Andre Fabre has been a great mentor and winning the Epsom Derby for him was very special – I owe him everything.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to ride full time for Godolphin, which is the world’s most international stable, and I am really looking forward to working alongside Frankie and Silvestre.”
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