Billy Loughnane makes history by breaking Kieren Fallon’s record for most wins in a calendar year this century | Racing News
Billy Loughnane broke the 21st century record for winners in a calendar year after recording his 222nd success on Invited at Lingfield Park on New Year’s Eve.
The young jockey became the first to accumulate 200 British winners in 2025 earlier in the year, then set his sights on a new feat before the start of 2026.
Kieren Fallon set the previous record with his total of 221 winners in 2003 and while Oisin Murphy came close with 220 wins in 2019, Loughnane has now surpassed that feat.
Loughnane riding his father Mark’s rider Bright to victory at Newcastle on Monday to come close, then First Greyed for Thomas Faulkner in the penultimate race at Wolverhampton on Tuesday evening appeared to set up the race perfectly, only for the line to arrive too early aboard Amerjeet in the last.
But on the final day of the year, Loughnane reached the milestone aboard George Boughey’s well-backed 4-5 favorite in the £250,000 BetMGM Golden Goals Handicap victory.
Loughnane told Sky Sports Racing: “I feel relieved, there was a bit of pressure today, but I’m delighted to achieve it and it means a lot to one of the Georges.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am without George and he has been everything to me since I started and supported me throughout my journey. I’m also delighted to give him his 100th winner of the year.
“I’ve tried to ride as much as possible, I get bored when I’m not riding and I love my job. “I’m very lucky to be partnered with some really good horses now and to George, Dad (Mark Loughnane) and everyone at Charlie’s (Appleby) and the Gololphin team and everyone who has supported me, I have to say a huge thank you.
“I can’t believe I’ve broken the record, I was watching it last night and the list of jockeys who will be at the top is amazing. I’m still nowhere near as good as many of them, but I hope one day I will be. It’s great and a relief, the last few days have been busy, but it’s a great feeling.”
