Nappy days are here again for Buick.. new daddy of the jockeys
IF HE didn’t win so many horse races, you’d hardly notice Will Buick — the weighing room’s Exhibit A that actions speak louder than words.
Those seeking a successor to Frankie Dettori as racing’s flamboyant, rent-a-quote showman know better than to knock on the door of the 34-year-old’s Newmarket home.
Buick’s energy is harnessed into riding winners — and yesterday he joined the sport’s legendary names on the champion jockey roll of honour.
“It’s something I had always wanted to achieve,” says Buick, who went into yesterday’s QIPCO British Champions Day card at Ascot — the final lap of a journey to the title that began at Newmarket on 2,000 Guineas day — with a 157-90 lead over closest pursuer Hollie Doyle.
“There’s a lot that goes into it — there was a long period in the middle of the season when I was working seven days a week.
“It’s a long process — you keep your head down and you keep busy — and it’s all about routine and dedication.
“It’s something I’ve tried to do for the past few years and it’s nice to finally do it.”
There were photo-finishes to the title race for the past two seasons, with Norwegian-born Buick — Scottish father Walter captured eight jockeys’ titles in Scandinavia — edged out by Killarney’s Oisin Murphy.
Two years ago the margin was eight victories, and last season a mere two.
But Murphy had ridden 11 winners during a fortnight in 2020 when he should have been in Covid 19 selfisolation.
He was subsequently hit with an 11-month suspension by the British Horseracing Authority – and two failed breath tests from 2021 triggered a belated penalty of 100 days.
“I’m aware of everything that has been said and written. I haven’t said anything about it,” is Buick’s diplomatic answer when asked whether he should be collecting the trophy for the third time.
“It’s not for me to say — it’s for the people who regulate the sport to make the rules.
“Of course, getting beat last year was disappointing but that motivated me even more for this year.”
Equilibrium is essential for the successful jockey and Buick artfully balances his life.
He marries the pursuit of racing’s most cherished prizes as stable jockey to Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby with a domestic role as husband and father of two. Buick and wife Jane welcomed their second son Oscar a fortnight ago and the jockey reflects: “Family is what it’s all about.
“You come home to changing nappies, which keeps you grounded.
”But Jane has been supportive from day one.”
Verbally understated, Buick carries the unambiguous body language — backed up by another glittering haul in 2022 — of a practitioner at the top of his profession. Looking to the defence of his crown in May, Buick admits: “There are some amazing jockeys and some amazing jockeys coming through as well.
“You always have to look to try to improve yourself because everyone else is.”
The choice between a first jockeys’ championship and his 2018 Derby triumph aboard Appleby’s Masar is like picking between newborn Oscar and three-year-old Thomas.
“It’s very hard to answer,” says Buick.
“For me, the Derby is the pinnacle of our sport and being champion jockey is a personal thing — something that I have always wanted to achieve.
“Now I don’t have to choose between the two!”
William Buick was crowned Champion Flat Jockey at QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot. For more information visit greatbritishracing.com