Up and coming young jockeys in the UK and Ireland

The UK and Ireland are nurturing a new generation of talented jockeys who are making significant strides in the horse racing world. From Flat racing to National Hunt, these young riders are achieving remarkable successes early in their careers. Here's a look at some of the most promising young jockeys around:

United Kingdom: Rising Stars

1. Billy Loughnane (19)
   Billy Loughnane has rapidly ascended the ranks of British Flat racing. In 2024, he clinched the British All-Weather Champion Jockey title with 75 wins, despite spending part of the winter racing in Australia. His notable victories include a Royal Ascot double, winning the Coventry Stakes on 80-1 outsider Rashabar and the Sandringham Stakes aboard Soprano. Loughnane's ambition is clear: he aims to become the youngest-ever champion jockey in British racing history.

2. Harry Davies (20)
   Harry Davies has made a significant impact in British Flat racing. In 2025, he secured his second consecutive Chester Cup victory aboard East India Dock, highlighting his exceptional riding skills. This achievement underscores his rising status in the sport.

3. Rossa Ryan (24)
   Rossa Ryan has emerged as a prominent figure in British Flat racing. In 2023, he achieved his first Group 1 victory in the July Cup at Newmarket aboard Shaquille. He continued his success by winning the British All-Weather Champion Jockey title in the 2023–24 season and then his biggest triumph to date - the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe aboard Bluestocking in 2024. Ryan's consistent performances have solidified his reputation as a top jockey.

4. Ben Jones (25)
   Ben Jones, one of Wales's rising stars, has recently been appointed as the stable jockey for the fast-growing Ben Pauling yard. This significant opportunity reflects his growing reputation and potential in the National Hunt scene.

5. Freddie Gordon (20)
   Freddie Gordon has been making strides in National Hunt racing. After joining Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows as a conditional jockey at 17, he spent three years racing in France, gaining valuable experience. Gordon's international exposure and dedication position him as a promising talent in the UK racing scene.

Ireland: Emerging Talents

1. Dylan Browne McMonagle (22)
   Dylan Browne McMonagle, a 22-year-old from County Donegal, has emerged as one of Ireland's most promising Flat racing jockeys. Starting his career with over 200 wins in pony racing, he transitioned seamlessly into professional racing. In 2022, he secured his first Group 1 victory in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes aboard Al Riffa. By 2024, he had added international successes, including wins in France's Critérium de Saint-Cloud and Germany's Grosser Preis von Berlin. His first Royal Ascot win came in 2024 with Uxmal in the Queen Alexandra Stakes.

2. Sam Ewing (21)
   Sam Ewing has quickly established himself in Irish National Hunt racing. In 2024, he achieved a landmark victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle aboard Stellar Story. Ewing's consistent performances and ability to seize opportunities have marked him as a rising star in the sport.

These young jockeys exemplify the vibrant future of horse racing in the UK and Ireland. Their early achievements and dedication to the sport suggest they are poised to become leading figures in the racing world.

These young jockeys exemplify the vibrant future of horse racing in the UK and Ireland. Their early achievements and dedication to the sport suggest they are poised to become leading figures in the racing world.