Jockey Harry Bentley has signed up to ride for Newmarket-based trainer Roger Varian for the British flat season. The 23-year-old Bentley, who also has a retainer with owner Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani, will ride alongside Varian's first-call jockey Andrea Atzeni.
Atzeni is retained by owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who transferred his entire string to Varian late last season, and Varian explained Atzeni will be his first-call rider when available, with Bentley filling in where possible.
“We are delighted to have first call on Harry for the upcoming season when he is not fulfilling his commitment for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Varian said. “We were keen to secure a jockey who can work alongside Andrea, has big-race experience and is young and on the up. Harry fits that profile.”
“I am delighted to be joining the team at Roger Varian's,” Bentley told racinguk.com. “Roger has one of the biggest strings in Newmarket and there will be plenty of opportunities to get on some quality horses. Last season was my best to date with 56 winners and I am keen to build on that in terms of quantity and quality.”
Bentley is a champion jockey in Qatar, where his mounts included the 2013 Qatar Derby winner Dubday (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). He finished second in the 2014 G1 1000 Guineas and Irish 1000 Guineas aboard Lightning Thunder (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}).
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
