Loughnane excited by new Godolphin role Billy Loughnane has spoken of his pride after it was announced he will join Godolphin as one of their retained riders. The new champion jockey will commence official duties on December 1 and the news comes on the back of a stunning season at the top level for the 20-year-old, highlighted by big victories on the likes of Bow Echo and Libertango. He has become a regular name on the Godolphin teamsheet in the past two seasons, breaking his Group One duck aboard Charlie Appleby’s Rebel’s Romance in Germany last year, and will now become an increasing presence in the royal blue silks of the global powerhouse. Loughnane told Racing TV: “It’s a very proud day and I’m very fortunate to be in the position I am and I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for giving me the opportunity alongside everyone at team Godolphin. “I found out yesterday and obviously I have been working alongside Charlie Appleby and his team for the past 18 months and really enjoying it. Thankfully I got the call up and I’m very grateful. “My answer was instant and they are a team you want to be a part of. I grew up watching Godolphin win everything and to be able to put the colours on now and compete for them has been amazing. To now be part of the team is what you want and it’s a very proud day. “I had my first ride for Charlie when claiming 5lb and have ridden for him since. Obviously my first Group One winner was aboard Rebel’s Romance for them last year and since then I have been riding out in the mornings for them and have stepped into the fortunate position of riding behind William (Buick) this season on some very nice horses so I’m very lucky.” Loughnane’s appointment comes at the end of a year where he has partnered the likes of Desert Castle in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster while also winning aboard their Distant Storm, Romantic Symphony and Hidden Force in Pattern contests en route to lifting the jockeys title for the first time. A statement from Godolphin confirmed that he will ride alongside William Buick as one of two retained jockeys going forward and when asked how riding arrangements could look next year, Loughnane explained his understanding of the role and admiration for the long-standing Godolphin number one. “Nothing is really going to change I don’t think and I’m lucky to be a part of team Godolphin,” continued Loughnane. “Godolphin is a legacy and to be offered a position like this is extraordinary. I enjoy the whole aspect of riding for them in the mornings as well as in the afternoons, I’m in a very privileged position. “I’ve been fortunate to work closely alongside William closely in the last 18 months and for the last four years since I’ve been in the weighing room. William has always been very good to me and helped me massively along the way and is someone I really look up to.” Loughnane also hopes his new position will allow him to continue riding plenty for George Boughey, the man who has helped propel the young pilot into the spotlight with his expert preparation of the likes of Bow Echo and Libertango. He added: “I’m still available and will be riding for George on the mornings and afternoons. It might change a little bit at weekends but day to day I want to be going racing and I love working for George, he’s an amazing man who has been very good to me.” When announcing the appointment on the Godolphin website, chief operating officer Hugh Anderson, said: “Godolphin is delighted to have signed the most exciting young jockey riding in Europe. “Billy Loughnane is an outstanding rider with a great future in our sport. We are thrilled that he has chosen our silks at this early stage in his career and he will formally start with us at the Dubai Carnival in December 2026. “William Buick has ridden for us with distinction for over 10 years and we are very happy that he will continue as one of our two retained jockeys.”
