McEvoy played a big part in the progression of Sheikh Mohammed’s operation after he came to prominence when winning the Melbourne Cup aboard Brew in 2000.

The jockey secured over 500 winners for Godolphin, including 29 victories at Group One level, and enjoyed a particularly fruitful spell in England as Frankie Dettori’s number two.

Amongst his big-race winners, the jockey partnered Rule Of Law to victory in the 2004 St Leger at Doncaster and Shamardal to Royal Ascot glory in the St James’s Palace Stakes a year later.

He also struck aboard Dubawi in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville in 2005.

McEvoy returned to his native Australia in July 2007 to become Sheikh Mohammed’s retained rider after spending five seasons in England.

McEvoy said in a statement: “I have been blessed to have been given this amazing opportunity to ride for Godolphin and Darley all over the world – it has been a life-changing experience.

“I am indebted to Sheikh Mohammed and the whole team for their support over the journey and I wish them all the best for the future.

“It has been great getting the continued support of many excellent trainers outside of Darley and I am really looking forward to developing some new and renewing some old relationships around Australia in the coming months.

“I’ll get out and about and ride some track work at Randwick and Rosehill. I’ll be busy at the trials. If it means I ride for Godolphin in the future, fantastic.

“It’s all about getting out and about, rebuilding old associations with trainers and owners and forging new ones.

“I have some incredibly fond memories working alongside great racing people, both overseas and at home.”

Godolphin’s Australian-based racing manager Henry Plumptre said in a statement: “Kerrin came in to see me last week to discuss his future and indicated that he would like to continue his career as a freelance jockey.

“Given the length of service and considerable expertise that he has given both to Darley and Godolphin, I agreed with him that our relationship would end today.

“From our perspective, and that of the whole Australian team, we are very sad to lose his services day to day but expect to see him on Godolphin horses on a regular basis in his new role as a freelance rider.

“Kerrin has been an integral part of our success in Australia since 2008 and, on behalf of the whole Darley and Godolphin operation in Australia, we wish him and Cathy (his wife) the very best for the future.”