Simon Crisford last night resigned as Godolphin racing manager to take up a new role as global racing adviser for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Crisford, one of the most widely respected figures in the sport, has been Godolphin’s racing manager, and lived in the UAE, since the inception of the Dubai-based operation in the mid-1990s.

His departure comes less than a fortnight after the publication of a report by Lord Stevens into the illegal doping practices of Mahmood Al Zarooni, in which the shamed former trainer acted alone.

Crisford said: “Having dealt with the events of last year and seen the Lord Stevens inquiry through to its conclusion, I thought that this was a good moment to bring my time at Godolphin to a close.

“I had felt for a while that I would like a fresh challenge. I think the time is right for a new start for the stable and for me.

“Sheikh Mohammed has asked me to take on a new role as his global racing adviser. I am delighted to have accepted that position and I am very much looking forward to an exciting new chapter for me.”

Crisford is the third high-profile departure from Godolphin in the 16 months following Frankie Dettori, the former stable jockey whose retainer was not renewed in October 2012, and Al Zarooni receiving an eight-year ban last April.

Crisford added: “This move has been under consideration for me for some time. It might have happened sooner, but it was duty to lead the response to last year’s problems. Working for Godolphin has been the defining experience of my career.”