Irish teenage jockey ecstatic after landing first Grade One victory of career
The 19-year-old teamed up with veteran middle-distance star Rebel's Romance in Germany this weekend to record the biggest win of his career to date.
Loughnane only got the ride at the last minute as Godolphin's number one jockey William Buick was due to be in action at Deauville, only for his horse to be a late non-runner, paving the way for Loughnane to take his place.
In a competitive race, the two-time Champion apprentice jockey (2023 and 2024) kept Rebel's Romance in second position for much of the race, before ultimately displacing the front-running Junko to take home the win by a quarter of a length.
Speaking after the win, the British based Irish jockey said: 'It's a feeling I can't describe, a feeling of ecstasy. What a star of a horse. I'm very lucky to be riding in these colours and to have the opportunity to sit on a horse like this.
'He's a star of a horse. Big thanks to Will [Buick]. I spoke to him last night and he told me exactly what to do.'
His father, Mark, was at Wolverhampton at the time of the ride, and told Sky Sports: "It's something he's dreamt of all his life. I had an even-money favourite in the first race but I was more watching my phone and watching Billy. As a dad I'm proud as punch."
Young Loughnane has been destined for greatness since bursting onto the scene as a youngster. At just 19, it's fair to say that the teenager - who doesn't turn 20 until next March - has plenty more Grade 1's to come.
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