Godolphin secures 2026 British champion jockey Billy Loughnane

Godolphin has appointed British champion jockey Billy Loughnane as a retained rider, with the 20-year-old to begin his new role at the Dubai Carnival in December.

Loughnane enjoyed an outstanding season, claiming the British jockeys’ championship and riding multiple Group 1 winners, including Bow Echo in the 2000 Guineas.

He will join William Buick as one of Godolphin’s two retained jockeys, with Buick continuing his association with the global racing operation after more than a decade.

Godolphin’s Hugh Anderson said the operation was delighted to secure one of Europe’s leading young riders.

“Billy Loughnane is an outstanding rider with a great future in our sport,” Anderson said.

“We are thrilled that he has chosen our silks at this early stage in his career.”

Loughnane said the appointment was a significant honour and thanked Sheikh Mohammed for the opportunity to ride Godolphin’s horses.

“I am absolutely ecstatic that Godolphin has given me this opportunity,” he said.

“It is a huge honour to become a retained jockey for one of the best racing operations in the world.”

Loughnane rode his first Group 1 winner in Godolphin’s royal blue colours aboard Rebel’s Romance last year.