Billy Loughnane, aged 20, is poised to be officially crowned Flat racing's new champion jockey at Ascot this Saturday. This achievement marks him as the youngest champion jockey in more than a century.
Loughnane's ambition to win the jockeys' title has been a driving force since his first ride as an apprentice in October 2022. After a slow start in May, he overtook defending champion Oisin Murphy in mid-July and has maintained his lead.
The jockey has had a relentless schedule, often riding from early morning until late evening, seven days a week. He has had only six days off from race-riding since the beginning of August. Loughnane credits his success to a team effort, including his father, trainer Mark Loughnane, George Boughey, and agent Tony Hind.
Loughnane has achieved more than 220 wins this year, with 150 of those within the championship window. His next goal is to challenge Sir Gordon Richards' record of 269 Flat winners in a calendar year, set in 1947.