Aussie star McEvoy set for UK debut

Both codes of rugby have more than their share and the Premiership also has a handful.

British racing has been slower to succumb to Australian influence, but that could change today when Kerrin McEvoy begins his role as second jockey behind Frankie Dettori in the globe-trotting Godolphin organisation.

McEvoy shot to prominence as a teenager in 2000 when he landed the Melbourne Cup aboard Brew and has since ridden over 500 winners including eight at Group 1 level.

A single ride aboard Gerard Butler's Soviet Sceptre will be the launch pad for his new career if Nottingham survives an inspection today, but McEvoy is really looking forward to wearing the Godolphin colours on three good rides at Haydock tomorrow.

"Coming to Britain to ride for a great team like Godolphin is a wonderful opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started," he said.

"I'm hoping Nottingham is on, but if not I'll be kicking off aboard Meshaheer, Mister Links and Destination Dubai at Haydock."

Meanwhile, as the fall-out from Tony McCoy's decision to leave Martin Pipe for Jonjo O'Neill continues it seems clear that the man who has been champion jump jockey for nine years in a row will still be the man to beat in his bid to make it 10.

Some reports suggest Richard Johnson is poised to take over as Pipe's stable jockey, though a report in today's Times indicates that McCoy's arch rival is very reluctant to break the bond he has built with Philip Hobbs.