William Buick chases his first LONGINES IJC success
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By Maddy Playle
There are few major prizes that elude William Buick, but the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley is one of them.
The Godolphin rider is based in Britain and has twice been champion jockey there, but has firmly established himself across the globe by recording Group 1 wins in Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the United States, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
Hong Kong is included in that list too after he somehow convinced the recalcitrant Pakistan Star to win the 2018 G1 QEII Cup (2000m). It was his first ride on the cult hero and would turn out to be the penultimate win of the gelding’s turbulent career.
Buick enjoyed another glittering moment in 2024 when Rebel’s Romance came to the city and conquered the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m). It was the globetrotter’s fifth win at the highest level, and he would go on to add four more.
In addition to feeling right at home on the big days at Sha Tin, the rider is accustomed to the fiery competition at Happy Valley. This will be his sixth LONGINES IJC and he comes into it in excellent form.
He notched a career-best performance in the competition last year when finishing joint runner-up to Ryan Moore and has enjoyed a stellar autumn, with the Group 1 wins of Ombudsman and Talk Of New York featuring in a magnificent treble on British Champions Day at Ascot.
Notable Speech, Opera Ballo, Al Hudaiba and Musical Times are other horses to help contribute to his impressive top-level tally this year, and the rider is looking forward to the unique challenge on 9 December.
He said: “I’m delighted to be invited back for the International Jockeys’ Championship by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. It’s a competition I really enjoy, and I look forward to riding against some of the world’s best jockeys again.”
Buick will have to be at his peak if he is to defeat Moore and his fellow competitors this time around, with riders like Zac Purton, James McDonald and Joao Moreira all boasting ample experience at the demanding city track.
There will also be talent coming from further afield with Christophe Lemaire, Dylan Browne McMonagle, Mickael Barzalona, Rachel King and Saffie Osborne taking part in the event.