Kerrin McEvoy is looking to next month's World Cup night in Dubai with great anticipation after being given the nod by Sheikh Mohammed to ride star colts Sepoy and Helmet.
McEvoy had been waiting in hope since the announcement in late November the colts would join Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin team for the Dubai World Cup night of racing on March 31.
The jockey first came to the attention of Sheikh Mohammed and the Godolphin team in 2002 after riding four winners in a day including the group1 Dubai Racing Club Cup at Caulfield.
The 31-year-old has ridden Sepoy in all four of the colt's group1 triumphs and has partnered Helmet in his three group1 successes.
Godolphin confirmed McEvoy's booking to ride Sepoy in the group1 Dubai Golden Shaheen over 1200metres on the Tapeta surface and also Helmet in the UAE Derby (1900m).
''I'm quite happy and pleased to be given the job of riding them over there and it's going to be great to be back competing at the World Cup meeting,'' McEvoy said.
''I was just waiting. Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin hadn't finalised their riders so I just had to wait and see what their decision was ... there was every chance Frankie [Dettori] could have got the ride.
''But I'm very happy they have gone with me.''
Helmet is set to resume in the CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday week while Sepoy is due to return in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield a week later.
Their Australian trainer Peter Snowden will continue to train the colts for their Dubai assignments but they will race in the royal blue colours of Godolphin before being transferred to one of Godolphin's trainers for the European season.
''I'm really looking forward to the night. It's great to go over there to represent not only Godolphin but Australia and Australian racing as well,'' McEvoy said.
He is hopeful he can pick up other rides on the program, depending on how many horses Godolphin have entered.
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