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Billy Loughnane has always been in hot water. Racing’s latest ‘wonder-kid’ burst onto our screens early last year, landing a staggering 23 winners in January alone, and after another 18 months of rapid progress he is already eyeing the possibility of becoming Champion Jockeys in the future.
Loughnane was a small boy when he first rode a horse, so his racing debut at the age of 16 in October 2022 was, for him, a long time coming.
With his father Mark, a British-based racing trainer, “teaching him everything”, it came as no surprise to those who know Billy best how he quickly racked up wins.
The first came at Mark’s favourite track of Wolverhampton – where he has 155 winners from 1,589 runners – on a foggy November night aboard Swiss Rowe.
Mark recalls: “His first win there was the best feeling I’ve ever had.
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Billy with his dad Mark in Wolverhampton
“When we moved here, I went to Wolverhampton every week without fail and Billy always came with me.
“From the people at the entrance, to those in the suite or in the hotel, everyone loves it.”
After a blistering start in the All-Weather over the winter, Billy continued to progress as the Turf season got underway and was crowned Champion Apprentice at Ascot in October, just 12 months after his first professional ride.
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2023 Champion Jockey William Buick (left) and Champion Apprentice Billy Loughnane are crowned at Ascot
Entering 2024, Billy knew he would have to step it up a notch as frequent battles against the best in the weigh-in room became a regular occurrence.
The turf season started strongly when Billy rewarded the faith of powerful Newmarket trainer George Boughey with a dominant victory in the Prix La Camargo at Saint-Cloud, France.
Further international success came in Germany with Stan Moore’s Queues Likely winning the Group Three Schwarzgold-Rennen in April, but despite making a strong return to the turf season, Billy entered this year’s Royal Ascot still seeking high-profile domestic success.
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Loughnane celebrates after winning the Sandringham Stakes aboard Soprano on day four of Royal Ascot
He came close to achieving that feat last year, finishing second to Richard Hughes’ Calling The Wind in the Ascot Stakes.
On the significance of the Royal meeting, Billy says: “Royal Ascot is the highlight of every flat racing season.
Who is Billy Loughnane?
Mark (dad)… “Dedicated, focused, thoughtful, caring. But he can have his moments!” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Clare (Mom)… “Fun, adorable. Can’t lose an argument or a game of scrabble. Ultra competitive and not a happy kid when he loses. Focus, work ethic and intelligence come from me!”
Jack (brother)… “He’s outgoing, friendly, moody most of the time. He has to win at everything. When he loses, he gets really upset and angry, so it’s better if I let him win!”
“It’s the height of summer and the best horses from all over the world are competing. Everyone comes to have a good day, even the King and Queen, it’s a massive spectacle for everyone to enjoy.
“There’s definitely a buzz when you come out of the paddock, look around and there are thousands of people watching. It’s electric.”
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Trainer Mark Loughnane couldn’t hide his excitement after watching his son Billy ride his first Royal Ascot winner aboard the horse Rashabar in the Coventry Stakes
There were wild celebrations when Billy pulled off a shock and dramatic victory aboard the 80/1 horse Rashabar in the Coventry Stakes after a thrilling photo finish.
Billy recalls: “When I got to the two furlongs I thought ‘I’m going pretty well here’ and it just took off!
“When they announced my number, I don’t really know how to describe it, my whole body went numb like something went through me. It was such a thrill. A feeling like no other.”
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Loughnane celebrates his Royal Ascot victory on Soprano
Dad Mark and mum Clare were there to greet Billy in an emotional hug in the paddock. Mark recalls: “It was the best feeling ever! When you see your son excelling on the big stage, it’s a feeling that money can’t buy.
“I don’t remember anything from after Billy’s race until the last one, I was so excited.”
Full of confidence from Rashabar’s success, Billy added a second Royal winner to his name when Soprano won the Sandringham Stakes for Boughey.
Strengthened by Boughey’s support this season so far, Billy currently sits fifth in the jockey standings behind established stars such as Oisin Murphy, William Buick, Rossa Ryan and Tom Marquand.
“I want to be Champion Jockey one day,” says Billy. “It will take a lot of hard work and effort, but I will try my best.”
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2024-07-17 02:28:48
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