The Irishman has landed a new role after being crowned champion jockey

Billy Loughnane has signed with Godolphin as a retained rider, with the newly crowned champion jockey due to start his position in December.

The announcement follows an exceptional season at racing's elite level for the 20-year-old, during which he's notched multiple Group victories, including aboard the undefeated Bow Echo and most recently on Libertango at the Breeders' Cup just last week.

Over the past two seasons, he's established himself as a familiar face in the Godolphin line-up, claiming his maiden Group One success on Charlie Appleby's Rebel's Romance in Germany last year.

"I am absolutely ecstatic that Godolphin has given me this opportunity. It is a huge honour to become a retained jockey for one of the best racing operations in the world," Loughnane told www. godolphin.com.

"I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for giving me the opportunity to ride his outstanding horses at the highest possible competitive level.

"I rode my first Group One winner in the royal blue silks on Rebel's Romance last year and I look forward to carrying them to victory in many more top-class races over the coming years."

Godolphin confirmed in a statement that Loughnane will partner William Buick as one of two retained jockeys moving forward.

The announcement caps off a remarkable year for Loughnane, who rode the likes of Desert Castle to victory in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster for the owners, while also steering Distant Storm, Romantic Symphony and Hidden Force to wins in Pattern races, all of which contributed to him claiming the champion jockey title for the very first time.

Hugh Anderson, chief operating officer for Godolphin, said: "Godolphin is delighted to have signed the most exciting young jockey riding in Europe.

"Billy Loughnane is an outstanding rider with a great future in our sport. We are thrilled that he has chosen our silks at this early stage in his career and he will formally start with us at the Dubai Carnival in December 2026.

"William Buick has ridden for us with distinction for over 10 years and we are very happy that he will continue as one of our two retained jockeys."