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Champion jockey Billy Loughnane ‘ecstatic’ as he lands massive role for Godolphin

CHAMPION jockey Billy Loughnane has been snapped up as a retained rider for Godolphin. The 20-year-old has ridden a number of high-profile winners for trainer Charlie Appleby over the last couple of years - including a first Group 1 success…

By Jack Keene · The Sun

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 11:01 AM

Key Things to Know

Billy Loughnane has been appointed as a retained jockey for Godolphin.
Loughnane will officially start his new retained role at the Dubai Carnival in December 2026.
William Buick will continue as a retained jockey alongside the newly signed 20-year-old.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Champion jockey Billy Loughnane has signed as a retained rider for Godolphin, formalizing his partnership with Sheikh Mohammed's racing operation. The 20-year-old rider, who recently secured his first British jockeys' championship ahead of Oisin Murphy, will officially begin his new duties at the Dubai Carnival in December 2026.

Loughnane previously achieved his first Group 1 victory in Godolphin's royal blue silks aboard Rebel's Romance in 2025 for trainer Charlie Appleby. William Buick will remain in his position alongside Loughnane as one of the operation's two retained jockeys, filling a vacancy left since James Doyle's departure in 2023.

Read the full article on The Sun

Champion jockey Billy Loughnane ‘ecstatic’ as he lands massive role for Godolphin

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