Teenage jockey Billy Loughnane has set a new record for the most wins in a calendar year this century. On Tuesday, he equaled Kieren Fallon’s 2003 record of 221 wins at Wolverhampton by winning the 14:30 GMT Mile Handicap at Lingfield Park. The 19-year-old Irish rider had five opportunities to surpass the record during Wednesday’s final meeting of the season, marking his third complete season as a professional. After missing his first three chances, Loughnane secured victory aboard favorite Invited on the all-weather track.
Expressing relief, Loughnane told Sky Sports Racing that he had been working hard in recent days and enjoys riding as much as possible to avoid boredom. He acknowledged the significance of being on the list of top jockeys and hopes to continue improving. Loughnane managed to fend off a late challenge from Hitched as Invited, trained by George Boughey, took the lead entering the home straight.
In 2025, Loughnane achieved 222 wins out of 1,320 races, with this victory marking Boughey’s 100th win of the year. Loughnane credited his trainer for his success, saying Boughey has been supportive since he started racing. This outstanding year also saw Loughnane win the annual Flat Jockey Championship, which is based on total wins from January 1 to December 31.
This award is distinct from the British Flat Jockeys Championship, calculated over a shorter period from May 3 to October 18, which was won this year by Oisin Murphy, with Loughnane finishing second. The all-time British flat racing record is 269 wins by Sir Gordon Richards in 1947.
Loughnane began competing professionally in late 2022, achieving 23 wins in January 2023 at just 16 years old. Having ridden horses since early childhood and gaining experience in pony racing, he had his record-breaking 220th win at Newcastle on Monday and admitted the milestone was on everyone’s mind. This achievement comes just over three years since his first race as an apprentice jockey.
Fan Take: Billy Loughnane’s record-breaking season is a thrilling breakthrough for horse racing, showcasing the rise of young talent in the sport. His success promises an exciting future and inspires fans and aspiring jockeys alike, potentially attracting more attention and enthusiasm to flat racing worldwide.
