The Racing Horse enjoyed the wonderful June sunshine at Chepstow on Friday, where the star of the show was undoubtedly the 17-year old Billy 'the kid' Loughnane who recorded a win double on Matty Too at 6/4 for Ed Dunlop, and Kenstone at 7/1 for Adrian Wintle. Much bigger prices were available at the course for both horses. The jockey was scoring his 56th and 57th winner for this year. This was his first visit to the beautiful Chepstow Racecourse so now 2-3 for 67% (+7.50) and an instant impact!

Blogging to our readers, members and friends of Chepstow prior to the meeting, we reminded folk about Loughnane having no experience of the stamina sapping racecourse even in good conditions, and, as a consequence how problematic judging and dealing with the pace/fractions could be. By 5.20pm those fears were allayed and we witnessed two fine wins from three rides displaying tactical acumen he had no right to possess at this stage of his career, on a course he had not even seen before! His first win was down the outside and the second on the favoured stands-side rail and both produced at exactly the right time! Speaking to him between those wins he confirmed his joy of riding a first winner in Wales, so now winners in England (59), Scotland (2) and now Wales (2). Where next?

CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE TEMPLATE (Friday 16 June 2023)

Little did we know last October what was to unfold from a boy who gained experience on pony racing circuit. He had 7 rides in his first month and did not trouble the judge, he did not even ride a fourth place. November saw him ride his first winner at a big price scoring 1-20 for 5% taking his tally to 1-27 for 4%.

June:      9-62     15%    -14.58
May:       4-79      5%    -65.54
April:     10-60    17%    -13.54
March:     11-30    37%    +38.40
January:   23-98    23%    +13.42
December:  5-34     15%    -12.01
November:  1-20      5%     +9.00
October:   0-7       0%     -7.00
Total:     63-390   16%    -51.86

Since then his career has not blossomed it has taken off big-time, and to have recorded 63 winners in such a short space of time has been quite incredible! Having watched his career to date it is clear he rides with no fear and already able to sit motionless and balanced in the final stages of races before producing his mount. He did exactly this at Chepstow this time. Worth pointing out his score of 23 winners in a calendar month (January 2023) is some achievement especially from just 98 rides.

Billy Loughnane is excited about the prospect of riding at Royal Ascot and has been booked to ride the Richard Hughes-trained Calling The Wind in the 5.00 Ascot Stakes on the opening day (Tuesday). He told us: "I have been watching Royal Ascot on the television for a long time and when I got my licences last year I never dreamed of being there this year!"

On the Monday before Royal Ascot he has 6 rides at Wolverhampton and in his present mood it will be hard to keep him off the score sheet. At the Midlands course he shows 21-88 for 24% (+40.82). He has shown no problems switching from the winter AW Courses to Turf but he rides particularly well at Wolverhampton, Lingfield & Newcastle AW Courses. His national average is a healthy 16% but his numbers at his best 3 courses are worth noting, whilst being reminded his first rides were as a 16-year old in October just last year:

Wolverhampton AW: 21-88    24%    +40.82
Lingfield AW:     11-54    20%    +13.42
Newcastle AW:     7-22     32%     -0.80

As we go to post he has just the one ride at Ascot on the Tuesday, then goes to Newcastle AW to ride Habanero Star 5.50. Thursday he has one ride at Ascot and then two on the Friday. These numbers could change but the 17-year old will be racing at Royal Ascot on Tuesday on a 14/1 shot with place chances.

He looks the real deal already but in terms of longevity the main concern for the young jockey going forward is his height. His father Mark is 6f 2in tall and Billy is already 5f 7in and growing and this will place huge demands on his weight. Mark said: "He's been working on his fitness since he was 13 and when I got up at 4.45am the other day and he was already in the gym at home. He wants to do it. Physically, Billy is more in the mould of Adam Kirby or James Doyle than Oisin Murphy or William Buick, and it is going to take discipline for him to keep the scales steady. But he undoubtedly has the ambition and commitment to reach the summit."

The Racing Horse cannot concur or dispute the above words, but he has so much potential and latent talent anything is possible, and if were a big stable would seek his services with the not to distant future in mind.

We take this opportunity to thank the Chepstow Racecourse Team (again) for facilitating this lovely day of racing!

CHEPSTOW RACECOURSE WHAT'S ON