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Billy Loughnane broke the 21st century all-time winners record with his 222nd win at the invitational event at Lingfield Park on New Year’s Eve.
Earlier this year the young jockey became the first jockey to win the 200 British title in 2025, before setting his sights on another feat before the start of 2026.
Kieron Fallon He previously set a record of 221 wins in 2003 and Oisin Murphy came close with 220 wins in 2019, a feat that Loughnane has now surpassed.
The 19-year-old closed the gap further with victory at Newcastle on Monday aboard his father Mark’s horse Bright, then looked flawless on Thomas Faulkner’s first gray in the penultimate race at Wolverhampton on Tuesday night, only for Amerjeet’s line to come too early in the final race.
But on the final day of the year, Loughnane reached the milestone by winning £250,000 as George Boughey’s widely-backed 4-5 favorite in BetMGM’s Golden Goal Handicap.
Loughnan told Sky Sports Racing: “I’m relieved, there was a bit of pressure today but I’m delighted to get it done and it means a lot for George too.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without George, he has been everything to me and has always supported me since the beginning of my career. I’m also delighted to have him become my 100th winner this year.
“I’ve been trying to ride as much as possible, I get bored when I’m not riding and I love my job. I’m lucky enough to be partnered with some really good horses now and I’d like to say a huge thank you to George, Dad, Charlie (Appleby) and everyone on the Gololphin team and everyone who has supported me.
“I can’t believe I’ve broken the record, I was watching last night and the list of jockeys at the top of the list is extraordinary. I’m nowhere near as good as a lot of them but hopefully one day I can do it. It’s great and a relief, it’s been a busy last few days but it’s a great feeling.”
Boy was full of praise for his rider, saying: “It’s a fantastic achievement and the most important thing for me is that he wanted to ride 200 wins at the start of the year, which was always going to be a difficult ask as he spent most of the winter in Australia.
“He always built his riding book around our horses and I think between Billy, Tony Hind (manager) and myself we worked hard to make sure he got the best horses he could ride wherever he went.
“Staying fit and being able to go to every race – he hasn’t missed a ride all year – is a huge credit to him and every success he’s had is something he deserves.
“I think the fundamental part is, whether it’s the 0-55 handicap at Wolverhampton on Saturday night or the Group One games at the weekend, Billy prepares them well. I’ve always said he understands what’s going on in the game better than anyone I’ve ever worked with, and that makes him a pleasure to deal with.”
Fr Mark Loughnan added: “That’s some achievement, isn’t it? It’s fair to him because he’s focused and worked so hard and it’s paying off.
“He’s got some top guys behind him, George Boy and Charlie Appleby, Ian Williams has brought him a lot of championships and as a family it’s a very proud moment for us because he’s just a youngster.
“We’re really proud. We’re so busy at the moment we have to watch the game at home so we didn’t go. It was me, his mum and his brother Jack. It’s a really great achievement.
“We know how hard he works behind the scenes and his dedication and commitment, we see it every day.
“We expected him to do well but we never dreamed it would be like this. So you have to say well done to him and we’ll celebrate with a glass of champagne tonight.”