'It's been flabbergasting' - blazing Billy Loughnane rides out claim, just 11 months on from debut

Billy Loughnane, the emerging name in British Flat racing, rode out his claim on Lambert at Kempton on Friday night, with the jockey recording his 95th winner just 11 months on from taking his first rides.

The rising star of the weighing room rose to fame during the winter when in prolific form on the all-weather, regularly riding doubles and trebles at the age of just 16, and his excellent start has continued into the main part of the Flat season.

The milestone is even more remarkable given he was out for three weeks in July with a thumb injury.

His achievements in such a short time are rare and he looks poised to emulate greats Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore, both champion apprentices, as he heads the standings for that title with a lead of 13 over defending champion Benoit de la Sayette.

His father, the trainer Mark Loughnane, who has saddled 21 of his son's winners, said: "It's just brilliant; me and his mum Clare are proud as punch. He's been so committed and it's amazing to do what he's done as he had a bit of time in America and had three weeks off with injury.

"So many other trainers have given him rides and we're very thankful, although I've never shouted home other people's horses as much as I have in the last year.

"Full credit to Billy, he's a testament to himself and we're delighted with him. It's just been flabbergasting."

Loughane has ridden winners for 35 different trainers this season and attracted the interest of Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, while he has had rides for nearly 100 more yards in his career.

He also rode Doddie's Impact to win the historic Brocklesby Stakes on his first ride on turf.

Jason Watson rode out his claim just 20 months on from his first ride, he partnered 93 winners in one season and turned professional with success at Kempton in 2018.

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