William Buick, one of Britain’s most accomplished flat racing jockeys, recorded a landmark achievement on Thursday as he brought up his 2,000th career winner in fitting style at Newmarket’s July Festival. Riding El Cordobes in the Group Two Princess of Wales’s Stakes, Buick delivered a polished performance to guide the 7-2 chance to a two-length victory in the day’s feature race.
The victory was not only significant for its numerical milestone but also for the context in which it arrived. The Princess of Wales’s Stakes, sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain, is one of the most prestigious middle-distance events of the summer. That the achievement came at Newmarket—the jockey’s home track—made the moment even more meaningful. Buick has been a retained rider for the powerful Godolphin operation for over a decade, and the win came in partnership with trainer Charlie Appleby, with whom Buick has shared numerous high-profile successes.
“It means a lot, of course. It really tells me and everyone else that I’ve been doing this for quite a long time,” Buick said after the race. “For it to happen here at Newmarket, for Charlie and Godolphin, in a race like the Princess of Wales’s, makes it all extra special.”
Buick, 36, has been a mainstay on the British flat racing scene since making his debut in 2006. He was crowned Champion Apprentice in 2008 (jointly with David Probert), and over the years has compiled an impressive record, including back-to-back Flat Jockeys’ Championships in 2022 and 2023, and victories in seven British Classics, including the Derby aboard Masar in 2018. His international resume includes wins at major meetings such as the Breeders’ Cup, Dubai World Cup, and Royal Ascot.
The 2,000th win had been in the making since July 4, when Buick reached 1,999 winners. Just minutes after El Cordobes sealed the historic milestone, Buick added to his tally with consecutive victories in the very next two races—Crimson Rose in the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes and Opera Ballo in the Listed Edmondson Hall Sir Henry Cecil Stakes—bringing his total to 2,002 by the end of the day.
“It’s a big team effort. There’s a lot that goes into it—hard work, early mornings, and late nights. Without the support of owners, trainers, stable staff, and of course my family, I wouldn’t be standing here,” Buick noted. He also singled out the Derby as his most cherished win to date but revealed that he still has his sights set on lifting the Oaks, a race that has thus far eluded him.
Trainer Charlie Appleby praised both the horse and his jockey. “We were confident coming back to a mile and a half after York didn’t quite work out. El Cordobes handled the ground well and William gave him a great ride,” said Appleby. “As for William, what he’s achieved for us, for Godolphin, and for British racing is immense. He’s not just a top-class jockey; he’s a friend and a consummate professional.”
El Cordobes, a well-bred colt with international potential, is now being considered for overseas campaigns. “He’s maturing well and travels strongly. He could be one of our stable’s next international flagbearers,” added Appleby, drawing comparisons to other globetrotting stars from the Godolphin yard.
