William Buick was crowned Britain’s Champion Flat Jockey for a second time at Ascot today, following up his runaway victory last year.
With former champion Oisin Murphy returning from a year out, many predicted a titanic battle between the duo in 2023, but Buick pulled clear during the summer months.
Buick has notched 135 winners since the championship started in early May, with his closest challengers Murphy and Rossa Ryan on 106 and 104 respectively.
Highlights for the 35-year-old include Modern Games’ victory in the G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes, coupled with significant wins across Europe and North America.
Buick, who shared the Champion Apprentice title with David Probert in 2008, said: “It was always important to me to win the title again. There is a lot that goes into it and a lot of thanks goes to owners and trainers, my agent and my family.
“This season has been slightly different to last year, but it has been very busy and, when you are busy, especially the way it is in this country, it rolls on so quickly. You do not get much time to think about it.
“Being Champion Jockey drives me, no question about it. I also think that I am at a point in my career where I think why not keep doing it? I enjoy going racing, the winners, the support, and I enjoy being Champion Jockey.”