Billy Loughnane, the new child prodigy joining Godolphin

At just 20 years old, the newly crowned champion of British jockeys has been signed by Sheikh Mohammed’s powerful organization. He will share responsibilities with William Buick and will begin his new role in December during the Dubai Carnival

NEWMARKET, England.— Billy Loughnane’s career is advancing at a breathtaking pace. Just days after securing his first victory at the Breeders' Cup and weeks after crowning himself champion British jockey, the 20-year-old rider received news that could permanently transform his future: Godolphin has signed him as a retained jockey, sharing that honor alongside William Buick.

The announcement marks another massive leap for a jockey who made his official debut in November 2022 and, in just four seasons, has established himself among Europe's premier names.

"I am absolutely delighted. It's a huge honor to become a retained jockey for one of the greatest organizations in the world," expressed Loughnane.

"I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for giving me the opportunity to ride his extraordinary horses at the highest competitive level. I achieved my first G1 victory in the royal blue silks aboard Rebel's Romance (Dubawi) last year, and I hope to ride them to victory in many more major races over the coming years," he added.

His appointment will formally begin in December during the Dubai Carnival and will not mean the departure of Buick, who has represented Godolphin for over a decade and will continue as one of their two main jockeys.

The choice hardly comes as a surprise given Loughnane's trajectory. In 2023, he was crowned champion apprentice and has since piled up success.

During 2026, he secured his first Classic victory in the 2000 Guineas (G1) riding Bow Echo (Night of Thunder),trained by George Boughey. With that same colt, he completed three G1 victories before the horse joined the Darleystallion roster.

He also shone with Comanche Brave (Wootton Bassett), trained by Donnacha O'Brien, capturing the July Cup (G1)and the Flying Five Stakes (G1).

His season enjoyed another milestone last Friday at Keeneland when he won for the first time at the Breeders' Cup,guiding Libertango (No Nay Never)—a triumph confirming his ability to deliver on racing's demanding international stages.

In October, during British Champions Day, he formally received his first title as Champion Jockey of Great Britain.

To date in 2026, he has racked up 239 wins on British soil, surpassing the 223 he achieved last year. Furthermore, he reached triple-digit victories for the fourth consecutive season.

On behalf of Godolphin, Hugh Anderson explained the rationale behind securing Loughnane for such a prestigious position.

"We are delighted to have secured the most exciting young jockey riding in Europe. Billy is an extraordinary rider with a massive future in our sport," he noted.

"We are thrilled that he has chosen our silks at such an early stage in his career. William Buick has represented Godolphin with distinction for over ten years, and we are very happy that he will continue as one of our two retained jockeys," he added.

For Loughnane, the agreement grants access to top-tier mounts globally and integrates him into a powerhouse with a presence across international racing.

For Godolphin, it represents a commitment to a young talent who has shown exceptional ability with substantial upside ahead.

From champion apprentice to British champion, Classic winner, and Breeders' Cup star in just four years—now, with Godolphin's blue silks secured, Billy Loughnane steps up to the biggest challenge of his meteoric career.