Godolphin could be forced into an eleventh-hour search for a jockey to partner In Secret in the Surround Stakes with Hugh Bowman in some doubt for the trip to Sydney.

The top jockey was stood down from his rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday night due to illness and was due to consult the Hong Kong Jockey Club doctor on Thursday.

His manager Bryan Haskins confirmed Bowman had contacted him to report he was feeling unwell but said the hoop hoped to recover in time to make the trip from Hong Kong to Randwick for Saturday’s Group 1 meeting.

Bowman had committed to the hit-and-run visit to ride brilliant filly In Secret in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) and had another seven rides on the 10-race card, including Mo’Unga for Annabel Neasham in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m).

In Secret’s trainer James Cummings is aware of Bowman’s plight and admits he is slightly nervous.

“Hugh Bowman was forced to stand down from his rides last night and needs to see the club doctor today so we might be without a jockey there,” Cummings said on RSN radio.

“Hugh Bowman’s health is more important so hopefully all is well there and we’d understand if it wasn’t.

“But that leaves you a little restless with a favourite in a Group One two days out from their target race doesn’t it?”

In Secret is a $2.15 favourite to add the Surround Stakes to her Group 1 win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring.

An update on Bowman’s condition is expected later on Thursday.