Teenage jockey Billy Loughnane has achieved a remarkable feat, shattering the 21st century record for the most horse racing winners in a calendar year. His 222nd victory aboard Invited at Lingfield Park on New Year’s Eve cemented his place in racing history, surpassing previous records and showcasing exceptional dedication and skill. This achievement highlights a new era in young jockey talent, with Loughnane leading the charge.
Loughnane’s journey to this record was a relentless pursuit throughout the year. Earlier in 2025, he became the first jockey to achieve 200 British winners in a single year, a milestone that set the stage for this even greater accomplishment before the start of 2026. His consistent performance across various tracks and races demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his profession.
How to become a successful jockey requires immense dedication and talent. Billy Loughnane exemplifies this, demonstrating an exceptional ability to perform consistently at the highest level. His understanding of race dynamics and his ability to form strong partnerships with horses are key factors in his success.
What is the significance of this record? It marks a new benchmark for jockeys in the 21st century, pushing the boundaries of what is considered achievable in a single racing season. The previous record stood at 221 winners, set by Kieren Fallon in 2003, and Oisin Murphy came close with 220 victories in 2019. Loughnane’s 222 wins represent a significant leap forward.
The young jockey’s determination was evident in the final days of the year. He edged closer to the record with a win on Bright at Newcastle and was poised to secure it at Wolverhampton. However, the line came just too soon on Amerjeet in the penultimate race, adding an extra layer of suspense to his final day pursuit.
The historic win came aboard George Boughey’s well-backed 4-5 favourite in the Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap on the last day of the year. This victory not only secured the record but also marked Boughey’s 100th winner of the year, a testament to their strong working relationship.
Loughnane expressed his relief and delight, stating, “I’m feeling relieved, there was a little bit of pressure today, but I’m delighted to get it done and on one of George’s as well means a lot.” He credited Boughey and his team for their unwavering support since he began his career.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without George and he’s been everything for me since I started and has supported me the whole way up,” Loughnane added. His passion for the sport is evident, as he admitted to being bored when not riding and loving his job, feeling lucky to partner such talented horses.
He also extended his gratitude to his father, his agent, and the wider racing community, including Charlie Appleby and the Godolphin team, for their support. The magnitude of his achievement is clear as he stated, “I can’t believe I’ve broken the record, I was looking it last night and the list of jockeys to be at the top of it is extraordinary.”
George Boughey praised Loughnane’s dedication, noting, “It’s an amazing achievement and the biggest thing for me is he wanted to ride 200 winners at the start of the year, which was always going to be a hard ask with him going to Australia for much of the winter.” Boughey highlighted Loughnane’s meticulous preparation for every race, regardless of its class.
“I have always said he knows more about what’s going on in races than anyone I’ve ever worked with, which just makes him a pleasure to deal with,” Boughey commented on Loughnane’s race-day intelligence.
Billy’s father, Mark Loughnane, shared the family’s immense pride, saying, “It’s some achievement isn’t it? Fair play to him as he is so dedicated and hard working and it is paying off.” He acknowledged the significant support from top individuals in the sport, which has been crucial to his son’s success.
“We’re bursting with pride,” Mark Loughnane continued. “We know how hard he works behind the scenes and the dedication he has and what he puts into it, we see it every day.” The family had to watch the historic race from home due to their busy schedule but celebrated the phenomenal achievement with champagne.
Billy Loughnane’s record-breaking season is a testament to youthful talent, hard work, and strategic partnerships within the horse racing industry. His performance sets a new standard and inspires aspiring jockeys to pursue their dreams with similar dedication.
