Buick was crowned champion Jockey, As Godolphin and De La Sayette also received season-end honors
Jockey William Buick, Godolphin and apprentice jockey Benoit de la Sayette were crowned Champion Jockey, Champion Owner and Champion Apprentice Jockey respectively during the QIPCO British Championship Day in Ascot on Saturday. Former cycling champion Willie Carson, who, along with the late Sir Henry Cecil, was inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Hall of Fameawarded both equestrian titles.
Buick, a three-time runner-up (2015, ’21 and ’21), has claimed 157 winners, 67 well ahead of Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand, his closest pursuers for the title. A former champion apprentice, the title he shared with David Probert in 2008, the 34-year-old has been a retained driver for Godolphin since 2015.
Buick said, “At 18, I would say what took you so long. It’s been great and personally, it’s something I’ve really wanted to achieve for a long time and obviously took me a few years, but it’s amazing.
“My dad was an eight-time Jockey champion in Scandinavia so it was great to be able to achieve it and I feel like I achieved it the way I wanted to do it – to balance it out with the big races, big meetings. , Godolphin, my primary employer, makes sure that’s my top priority.
“It’s satisfying and when every race starts, that’s what you want to achieve – you want to win the Derby and you want to be the Champion Driver.”
He added, “You can never expect it to turn out the way it is. You can only hope and work towards it, but you can never expect it, so it’s great and there’s a lot of people involved in it all.
“It was hard work, it was every day, every race and everything that came with it, but I loved every minute of it. When it’s going well and you’re riding the winners, riding the beautiful horses, you’re at the big meetings, when it’s going like that it’s great, no
This is Godolphin’s 15th title owner and their runner-up has made more than £6 million. Some highlights are the Late Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Native Trail (GB) (Oasis dream {GB}) ran one of two G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas, with the latter taking the Irish equivalent later that spring. Additionally, top owner at Royal Ascot, royal blue won five races at that iconic meeting, among them Coroebus scores in G1 St James’s Palace S. and Naval Crown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) landed the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. This operation was also successful with its young, led by G2 Gimcrack S. hero Noble Style (GB) (King {GB}) and other teams won Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Flying Honors (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).
Hugh Anderson, CEO of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said, “Godolphin is extremely proud to receive the title of Champion Owner at Ascot on such a prestigious day for the sport. our sport.
“It has been another exciting season with many victories at the highest level and I have to especially thank Charlie Appleby and the team at Moulton Paddocks, who have led the team. Saeed bin Suroor and John and Thady Gosden also contributed greatly to a season showcasing our crossbreeds and stallions.
“Thank you to every Godolphin employee, who all played their part. Our biggest thanks, of course, must go to our principal, Sheikh Mohammed, for his loyalty, enthusiasm, and endless passion for Purebreds.
“In the end, it was a special thrill to collect this trophy with William Buick. He is in the last place of Team Godolphin and we all congratulate him on his riding ability, determination, bravery and outstanding skill. He’s the Champion Jockey for the Champion Owners, and we couldn’t be more delighted to end the UK season on such a high note.”
Claiming the title of Champion Apprentice is Benoit de la Sayette, who battled Harry Davies with determination in the closing weeks of the Flat season. The first apprentice racing player added to John Gosden’s books in 29 years in 2020, he rode his first winner in December of that year. Formerly a graduate student in equestrianism, he was banned from competing for six months after testing positive for cocaine, but his career is on the rise again in 2022.
De La Sayette said, “I am delighted to have won the title of Champion Apprentice. It feels like a great season, and I really enjoyed the battle with Harry [Davies]. I wish him the best for the future and hope we will face each other for many years to come.
“There have been a lot of highlights, starting with Vafortino (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) winning the Victoria Cup at Ascot in May. I was also lucky enough to ride a winner at the July Festival. [Adjuvant (Ire) (New Bay {GB})] and had victories at Glorious Goodwood. At the beginning of this month, I drove my first three-hour watch and it was another day that I will never forget.
“None of those moments – or other winners I’ve had – would have been possible without the amazing support I’ve received from so many owners and coaches. throughout the past year. I am especially grateful to John and Thady Gosden, as well as the entire Clarehaven team. I learned a lot from the great team there.
“Contributions and advice from my agent, Paul Clarke are also very valuable. He worked tirelessly to give me the opportunity. I also want to thank PJA [Professional Jockeys’ Association] for all their ongoing support.
“Last but not least is my family. I want to give a big thank you to all of them, especially my mom and dad for everything they do…this is for them.”
