Hong Kong challenge could cap memorable year for Buick

William Buick is ready to throw his hat into the ring for top honours in the International Jockeys’ Challenge at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong next month.

The Newmarket-based jockey has enjoyed an immensely prosperous year both domestically and overseas, but despite taking part in the IJC several times, is yet to taste success.

“It’s always a privilege to be invited by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to the IJC and I’ve been lucky enough to participate a few times,” he said, looking forward to the December 10 event.

“I’ve never won it, or been on the podium yet, so it would be lovely to get a win in the competition. Obviously, the rides are luck of the draw, so you need a lot of luck. It’s very competitive and you need to be on the ball against a great line-up of jockeys.”

Buick’s 2025 victories include the Breeders’ Cup Mile, the Long Distance Cup, the Middle Park, the Woodbine Mile, the Juddmonte International, the Gold Cup and both the 1000 and 2000 Guineas.

Asked if 2025 would rank among his best years as a rider, Buick said: “I don’t tend to think about it that much. Obviously, I’m very pleased to have been riding some fantastic horses. Winning both Guineas at the very start was fantastic, and then carrying on through with Ombudsman and Trawlerman among others, then fast-forward to finishing off in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on Notable Speech.

“So it’s been a very rewarding season. Group Ones are the all-important and they’re what Godolphin are all about, so it’s always the main objective, but we always look to improve, always look to move forward.

“You have to acknowledge it has been a very good season for sure. Of course, I’m pleased, but in this game you move forward so quickly.

“I’ve been in Bahrain, then it’ll be Hong Kong, then I’ll be back in Dubai, that’s the nature of the sport, that’s what makes it so competitive. You don’t tend to dwell on things too long. Of course, you enjoy the moment, but equally when it doesn’t go your way, you have to shrug it off, get over it, learn from it and move on.”