Kerrin McEvoy has quit his position as full-time jockey for Godolphin, ending more than a decade of riding for one of the world's most influential thoroughbred stables.

McEvoy stepped down on Tuesday after speaking to John Ferguson, an adviser to Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin racing empire.

His decision to chase freelance opportunities comes after a restructure of Godolphin's racing activities in Europe, the United States and more recently in Australia.

Godolphin no longer retains jockeys on a full-time basis and the uncontracted McEvoy said it was time to sever ties with a stable which lured him to Europe in 2003 as an understudy to champion jockey Frankie Dettori.

Since John O'Shea's appointment as Godolphin's Australian trainer in May, McEvoy has had to share the stable's rides with outside jockeys, most notably last season's Sydney premiership winner James McDonald.

McEvoy said O'Shea's arrival at Crown Lodge had resulted in a downturn in the number of rides he has been getting in the famous Godolphin royal blue silks.

"In a nutshell, John O'Shea has been given the go-ahead to put on a jockey that he chooses," McEvoy said.

"Obviously there has been a shift in relation to the amount of rides I've been getting and the quality of rides.

"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."

A Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, McEvoy's overseas wins for the Sheikh Mohammed included the English St Leger and the UAE Derby.

McEvoy returned to Australia at the start of the 2008-2009 racing season to be the No.1 rider for Darley when Peter Snowden was at the helm.

Within weeks of his move, McEvoy was reunited with Godolphin's English stable with spectacular results on Australian soil when he rode All The Good to win the Caulfield Cup for Newmarket-based trainer Saeed Bin Suroor.

Major Group One wins with Snowden included the Golden Slipper on Sepoy and the Caulfield Guineas on Helmet.

"There's been no bust-up or falling out and we walk away still good friends," McEvoy said.

"It hasn't been a decision I've made quickly but I feel it is best at this time if I expand my horizons."

KERRIN McEVOY'S MAJOR WINS FOR DARLEY/GODOLPHIN

* 2004 English St Leger (Rule Of Law)

* 2005 UAE Derby (Blue And Royals)

* 2005 Jacques le Marois (Dubawi)

* 2005 St James's Palace Stakes (Shamardal)

* 2008 Caulfield Cup (All The Good)

* 2011 Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double (Sepoy)

* 2011 Caulfield Guineas (Helmet)