Andrea Atzeni will leave his role as retained rider for Qatar Racing to take the same position with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid.

Sheikh Obaid hit the headlines recently when he decided to move all his horses, including King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Postponed, from Luca Cumani to Roger Varian.

Atzeni used to ride for Varian before he linked with Qatar Racing, and also partnered Postponed to his famous victory at Ascot.

"I am delighted to be formally renewing my association with both Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and Roger from next season," Atzeni said on Varian's website.

"I have been lucky enough to enjoy some of my best days on horses like Postponed and Kingston Hill and so I am really excited at the prospect of the two joining forces.

"However, it was far from an easy decision to make as it means leaving my existing job with Qatar Racing.

"I would like to thank Sheikh Fahad personally, both for his support and for agreeing to release me from my contract with Qatar Racing.

"Roger has played an important part in my career and Sheikh Obaid has also been very supportive of me and I hope we will enjoy a lots of winners together in the future."

David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing, said they did not want to stand in Atzeni's way.