
Billy Loughnane v Oisin Murphy: The jockeys' championship race that has split the bookies
The Flat jockeys' championship begins at Newmarket on Saturday with a genuine three-way contest for the first time since 2021. Twenty-year-old Billy Loughnane, seeking to become the youngest champion in over a century, faces reigning champion Oisin Murphy, who is bidding for a record-tying sixth title. Bookmakers are split on the favourite, with Murphy available at 11-10 and Loughnane at 6-4, reflecting the closest race in years. Loughnane has improved his strike-rate to nearly 21% in 2026 after a career-best 108 wins last season.