Jockey William Buick, Godolphin and apprentice jockey Benoit de la Sayette were crowned Champion Jockey, Champion Owner and Champion Apprentice Jockey, respectively on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday. Former champion jockey Willie Carson, who along with the late Sir Henry Cecil was inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall Of Fame, presented both jockey trophies.
Buick, a three-time runner-up (2015, '21 and '21), secured 157 winners, 67 clear of Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand, his nearest pursuers for the title. A former champion apprentice, a title he shared with David Probert in 2008, the 34-year-old has been the retained rider for Godolphin since 2015.
Buick said, “18-year-old me would say what's taken you so long. It is great and personally it's something I've really wanted to achieve for quite a long time and obviously it's taken me a few years, but it's fantastic.
“My father was an eight-time Champion Jockey in Scandinavia so it's great to be able to achieve it and I feel I've achieved it in the way that I would like to do it–to balance it with the big races, the big meetings, my main employer Godolphin, making sure that's at the forefront of my focus.
“It's very satisfying and, when every jockey starts out, that's what you want to achieve–you want to win the Derby and you want to become Champion Jockey.”
He added, “You can never expect it to go as it has. 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's hard work, it's every day and every race and everything that comes with it, but I've loved every minute of it. When it's going well and you're riding winners, riding nice horses, you're at the big meetings, when it goes like that it's great, there is no
This was Godolphin's 15th owner title, and their runners banked over £6 million. Some of the highlights were the late Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Native Trail (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) running one-two in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas, with the latter also taking the Irish equivalent later that spring. Also, the leading owner at Royal Ascot, the royal blue was carried to victory in five races at that iconic meeting, among them Coroebus's score in the G1 St James's Palace S. and Naval Crown (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) landing the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. The operation also enjoyed success with its juveniles, led by G2 Gimcrack S. hero Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and other group wins by Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Flying Honours (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said, “Godolphin is immensely proud to receive the Champion Owner trophy at Ascot on such a prestigious day for our sport.
“It has been another season of great excitement with numerous wins at the highest level and I must pay tribute in particular to Charlie Appleby and the team at Moulton Paddocks who have led the charge. Saeed bin Suroor and John and Thady Gosden have also made a big contribution to a season that has showcased our homebreds and our stallions.
“Thank you to every single Godolphin employee, all of whom have played their part. Our greatest thanks must of course go to our principal, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, for his endless loyalty, enthusiasm and passion for the Thoroughbred.
“Finally, it is a particular thrill to collect this trophy alongside William Buick. He is at the very sharp end of Team Godolphin and all of us congratulate him on his outstanding horsemanship, determination, bravery and skill. He is a Champion Jockey for a Champion Owner, and we could not be more delighted to end the UK season on such a high note.”
Receiving the Champion Apprentice title was Benoit de la Sayette, who fought off a determined Harry Davies in the closing weeks of the Flat season. The first apprentice jockey to be added to John Gosden's books for 29 years in 2020, he rode his first winner that December. Formerly a pony racing graduate, he was banned for six months after testing positive for cocaine, but his career rebounded in 2022.
De La Sayette said, “I am thrilled to win the Champion Apprentice title. It has felt like such an amazing season, and I've really enjoyed the battle with Harry [Davies]. I wish him all the very best for the future and hope we're riding against each other for many years to come.
“There have been plenty 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 have victories at Glorious Goodwood. At the start of this month, I rode my first-ever three-timer and that was another day I'll never forget.
“None of those moments–or the other winners I've had– would've been possible without the fantastic support I've received from so many owners and trainers throughout the year. I'm especially grateful to John and Thady Gosden, as well as the whole Clarehaven team. I have learnt so much from the amazing team there.
“The input and advice from my agent Paul Clarke has been so valuable as well. He has worked tirelessly to get me opportunities. I'd also like to thank the PJA [Professional Jockeys' Association] for all their ongoing support.
“Last but not least is my family. I want to say a big thank-you to all of them, especially my mum and dad for everything they do…this one's for them.”
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