Double Century of Wins for Teen Sensation Billy Loughnane

Number 200 Milestone

Oisin Murphy is the British Champion Jockey for 2025, having finished 35 wins clear of his nearest pursuer in the Championship race, which ran from 3rd May to 18th October. However, it is his nearest pursuer, Billy Loughnane, who is out on his own when it comes to the number of wins in the calendar year.

Loughnane Reaches Landmark at Lingfield

Monday, 8th December marked the latest landmark in the rapid rise of the 19-year-old rider, Billy Loughnane. Heading to the all-weather card at Lingfield on 199 wins for the year, Loughnane had a double century in his sights. With three third-place finishes and a runner-up effort, Loughnane had come close in the first four races and finally hit the target in race five.

Taking the ride aboard Jim Boyle’s dual course winner Dandy Khan, Loughnane had work to do off the home turn, with the trailblazing Villalobos clear of the field. However, the young rider timed his challenge to perfection as Dandy Khan ran down the leader to get up inside the final 20 yards. Loughnane’s total of 200 wins in 2025 is 20 more than Oisin Murphy’s. Reflecting on his achievement, Loughnane said:

“It’s been on my mind since I hit 100 earlier on in the year, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without my agent Tony Hind, and I have to give him a massive shout out.”

Flat Racing’s Next Superstar?

Like so many of the sport’s leading lights, Billy Loughnane was born in Ireland before moving to Staffordshire with his parents in 2006. As the son of trainer Mark Loughnane, Billy was born into the sport and quickly latched onto the dream of becoming a jockey. Riding out for his father as a schoolboy, he gained further experience on the pony racing circuit.

Taking out his apprentice licence in 2022, his first win came aboard his father’s Swiss Rowe at Wolverhampton on 28 November 2022. Loughnane’s first year in the saddle ended with a respectable six wins from 61. While a solid foundation, that debut season showed few signs of what was to come.

In only his second season, Loughnane registered 130 wins and earned over £1.2m in prize money for connections – up from £53,083 in 2022. On only his third turf ride, he drove Doddie’s Impact to victory in the Brocklesby Stakes in April 2023.

Just one month later, he became the youngest jockey since the legendary Lester Piggott to ride in a Classic when partnering Sweet Harmony to a 14th-place finish in the 1,000 Guineas.

Four Time Champion Jockey

Unsurprisingly, given that 130-win haul, Billy Loughnane was crowned the British All-Weather Champion Apprentice in 2022/23 and the overall Champion Apprentice in 2023.

Improving to 162 wins and over £2.6m in prize money in 2024, he successfully defended his British All Weather Champion Apprentice title for the 2023/24 season. In 2024/25, he remained the man to beat on synthetic surfaces, with 75 wins seeing him claim the British All-Weather Champion Jockey crown.

Billy Loughnane’s Biggest Wins

As the number of Loughnane’s winners has increased, so too has the quality of his mounts. With his natural talent in the saddle now beyond any doubt, he is receiving consistent rides from leading trainers, including long-time supporter George Boughey, Charlie Johnston, Ed Dunlop, and more. Loughnane has also received the Godolphin seal of approval, having been called upon to deputise for William Buick when the Godolphin number one is required elsewhere.

With better horses come higher-profile victories. As of December 2025, Loughnane has 21 wins at Listed level or above, including the following highlights:

  • 2025 Grosser Preis von Berlin (Group 1) – Rebel’s Romance
  • 2025 Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) – Bow Echo
  • 2024 Coventry Stakes (Group 2) – Rashabar
  • 2025 Premio Gran Criterium (Group 3) – Gaga Mate
  • 2025 Princess Royal Stakes (Group 3) – Silent Love

Champion Jockey in Waiting?

Adding to his solitary Group 1 win features high on the wish list for Billy Loughnane. So too does dislodging Murphy at the top of the Champion Jockey standings. When asked about his title aspirations, the rising star stated:

“I want to try to be champion jockey. Whether it’s next year or the coming years, that is definitely something I have my eyes on.”

Considering all he has accomplished in only three years in the saddle and his upward trajectory, it may not be long before Billy Loughnane adds the Champion Jockey title to his growing list of achievements.