Known to each other side from the other side of the world, James Doyle and Humbolt Current have reconnected to win at Rosehill.
The top English jockey rode Humbolt Current, then trained by William Haggas, to victory for Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor in July last year.
The son of Fastnet Rock was transferred to Chris Waller‘s stable within weeks and it was a case of deja vu for Doyle as he rode the five-year-old to an encouraging win in Saturday’s 2400-metre handicap.
“I rode him in a few starts back home,” Doyle said.
“He had a lot of promise. He’s taking a little while to acclimatise here and get his foot on to the pedestal. It worked out great today.
Humbolt Current showed a clean pair of hooves at the 250m, fending off a late charge from $51 longshot Curata Princess to score by a 3/4 of a length with $2 favorite Angel Of Heaven 1-1/2 lengths further back.
“The speed was okay and we went nice and close to it and we were able to capitalise,” Doyle said.
The Godolphin rider had been booked for Cup runner Ispolini before the Charlie Appleby-trained stayer was ruled out by Racing Victoria over fitness concerns.
Despite the Cup blow, Doyle – who has won four Group Ones this year – was pleased to return to Australia for the first time since 2017.
“It’s nice to be back,” he said.
“I loved Sydney when I was here before. I love Melbourne but I’ve probably had just a bit more luck here.”
As far as Chris Waller representative Jack Bruce is concerned, Doyle is welcome to stay as long as he likes.
“We’ll have him back at any time,” Bruce said.
“That was a masterful ride and good on him. The first thing he said to us when he came to the mounting yard was he’s ridden this horse in England.
“He knows him well. So I didn’t have to tell him much.”
Doyle plans to stick around for next week’s Sandown meeting to pilot Appleby’s Irish-bred gelding D’Bai.
Humbolt Current, meanwhile, is likely to head to the paddock after seven runs this campaign.
“He’s had a long campaign and he’s got the win today so maybe Chris will freshen him up,” Bruce said.