Billy Loughnane, the rising champion who will now ride for Godolphin

At just 20 years old and freshly crowned Champion Jockey in Great Britain, he has been signed by Sheikh Mohammed’s powerhouse operation. Starting in December, he will share riding duties with William Buick, marking another extraordinary milestone in his meteoric career

NEWMARKET, England.— At just 20 years old, Billy Loughnane has already achieved what many jockeys spend an entire career pursuing. He was crowned British Champion Jockey, secured victories in top-level Group 1 contests, and established himself as one of Europe's most sought-after riding talents. Now, while still savoring those milestones, he has received news capable of reshaping his future entirely: Godolphin has signed him as one of its two retained riders.

The Sheikh Mohammed-led organization confirmed that the young jockey will officially step into his new role on December 1, aligning with the launch of the Dubai Racing Carnival. He will share riding duties with William Buick,who has served as the stable's principal jockey for more than a decade.

The signing represents a natural evolution rather than an improvised gamble. Loughnane has been working closely with trainer Charlie Appleby for approximately 18 months, having already enjoyed notable success wearing the iconic royal blue silks.

In fact, his maiden Group 1 victory arrived last season in Germany aboard Rebel's Romance (Dubawi), one of Godolphin’s flagship international globetrotters. Since that breakthrough, the working relationship steadily strengthened, culminating in this high-profile contract.

“It is a very proud day for me. I feel extremely fortunate to be in this position and I want to thank Sheikh Mohammedand the entire Godolphin team for giving me this opportunity,” Loughnane stated in an interview with Racing TV.

The newly crowned champion admitted he accepted the offer without hesitation.

“I grew up watching Godolphin win everything. To put those colors on and ride for them was already incredible. To officially be part of the team now is something extraordinary,” he explained.

His campaign has been nothing short of sensational. In addition to signature wins aboard Bow Echo (Night of Thunder) and Libertango (No Nay Never), he produced a standout performance with Desert Castle (Frankel) in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, while also guiding Godolphin runners Distant Storm (Night of Thunder),Romantic Symphony (Dubawi), and Hidden Force (Frankel) to victory.

One of the most intriguing aspects of his appointment will be his professional partnership with Buick, whom Loughnane views as a vital mentor.

“William has always been brilliant with me and has helped me tremendously. He is someone I look up to immensely,” Loughnane noted, dismissing any notion that his arrival would disrupt the established stable dynamic.

The young rider also expects to maintain his close association with trainer George Boughey, who played a pivotal role in his early development.

“I will remain available for George, both in the mornings and during race meetings. Some weekend arrangements may shift, but I love working with him,” he clarified.

Representing Godolphin, Chief Operating Officer Hugh Anderson expressed great enthusiasm for the acquisition.

“We are delighted to welcome Europe's most exciting young jockey to the team. Billy is an exceptional professional with a massive future ahead of him, and we are thrilled that he has chosen to join us at such an early stage of his career,” Anderson stated.

Anderson also confirmed that Buick continues as one of the organization's two retained jockeys.

The strategic move extends far beyond immediate gains. By securing a talent of immense long-term projection while retaining the elite experience of its leading jockey, Godolphin builds a formidable combination positioned to deliver results for years to come.

For Loughnane, the next challenge will be proving that his extraordinary precocity can evolve into an enduring, world-class career. He has already won a championship title and reached the summit of elite competition; now, he gains access to one of the most powerful racing operations on Earth to write his next chapter.