Billy Loughnane, Jack Callan and Godolphin were crowned champions at Ascot today as the British Flat championship concluded with Qatar Racing British Champions Day.
Loughnane secures his first Champion Jockey title at the age of 20, becoming the
youngest winner since 19-year-old Charlie Elliott shared the honours with Steve Donoghue in 1923.
Loughnane ends the championship with 159 wins, more than 20 clear of runner-up Oisin Murphy, and now has his sights set on Sir Gordon Richards’ record for a calendar year of 269.
The Irishman has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his first victory at Wolverhampton in November 2022, taking the following year’s Champion Apprentice title and gaining a maiden Classic victory on Bow Echo in this year’s G1 2000 Guineas.
Loughnane said: “It has been an extraordinary couple of years, really. I have been lucky to team up with a lot of trainers who have propelled me forward. Around this time four years ago when I was headed up to Newcastle for my first ride, the aim was just to have a few winners. What it has turned into is amazing. I am very lucky.
“To find a horse like Bow Echo was a dream come true. Unbeaten in six starts, including the Guineas, Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes. I am gutted that we won’t see him on the track again but very lucky to have partnered him. The Guineas was my highlight of the year – it was the best buzz I have had on a racehorse.”
On Sir Gordon Richards’ record, Loughnane said: “It is in my sights, although I am not full blasting at the moment. I am going to take the rest of this month and November. I will keep doing what I am doing, riding every day, and then heading into December I will assess whether it is possible.”