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Billy Loughane appointed Godolphin retained rider

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Wed 4 Nov 2026

Billy Loughnane has joined Godolphin as retained rider, with the new champion jockey set to commence his new role in December.

The announcement comes on the back of a stunning season at the top level for the 20-year-old during which he has ridden multiple Group winners including on the unbeaten Bow Echo and only last week aboard Libertango at the Breeders’ Cup.

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.

“I am absolutely ecstatic that Godolphin has given me this opportunity. It is a huge honour to become a retained jockey for one of the best racing operations in the world,” Loughnane told www.godolphin.com.

“I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for giving me the opportunity to ride his outstanding horses at the highest possible competitive level.

“I rode my first Group One winner in the royal blue silks on Rebel’s Romance last year and I look forward to carrying them to victory in many more top-class races over the coming years.”

Billy Loughnane managed to get down to the required weight of 8st 7lb just 45 minutes prior to winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Libertango on Friday. (Pic: Healy Racing)

A statement from Godolphin confirmed that Loughnane will ride alongside William Buick as one of two retained jockeys going forward.

The appointment comes at the end of a year where Loughnane partnered the likes of Desert Castle in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster for the owners, while also winning aboard their Distant Storm, Romantic Symphony and Hidden Force in Pattern contests en route to becoming champion jockey for the first time.

Hugh Anderson, chief operating officer for Godolphin 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.”

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