Young jockey takes feature at Ayr with Richard Hughes-trained filly.
The impressing Billy Loughnane, who has been climbing up the racing world, continued his string of good luck by delivering a stunning treble at Ayr on Friday, ending a day that could only be described as one that was marked by triumph and a growing reputation. The young jockey showed his talent in successive races, but it was the ride in Star of Mehmas that marked it out. It was, however, the third success running for the exciting filly and put Loughnane into reckoning as one of the bright young stars in the weighing room.
The afternoon got underway with a statement of intent as Loughnane got Beronia home in the Livescore Bet Fillies' Nursery Handicap. The filly was trained by George Boughey and was sent off at 6-1. As Loughnane rode his usual steady hands, the filly responded superbly to rise to this ideal start to what was going to be an unforgettable day. He did not have time to bask in glory, though, because he now turned his attention to the next hurdle, which was going to give him a much tougher examination.
Ridden by Richard Hughes on British EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes, Loughnane showed a maturity in his riding that belied his age. The filly, who had won twice at Lingfield and Wolverhampton, was put up against stiffer competition as she contested Listed level at Ayr. Sent off the 12-1 favourite, Star of Mehmas was incredibly tough and classy, winning one length. She has sharp speed and realizes the race on the track. Even seasoned observers were questioning Loughnane's decision to partner with this filly before this race.
Star of Mehmas was praised for an easy manner in the race by Loughnane, who said, "She's very straightforward and tough when you ask her to pick up," he said. "Richard told me just to have her in the first couple of horses and see how she goes from there, and she showed her cruising speed.". She was brilliant today." Indeed, Star of Mehmas only made her debut in July, but it's already obvious that she has loads more to give, and, with Loughnane on the plates, the partnership looks set to take major strides in the coming months.
As the day wore on, Loughnane rounded off his hat trick in the Microtech Group Handicap, this time teaming up with Jim Goldie's 9-2 favourite Yaaser. The horse was a swift return to the track, having been unplaced over the same trip just a day prior, but Loughnane showed that persistence pays off. In an extremely tight race, Yaaser fought his way to a three-quarter-length victory over stablemate Braes Of Doune, both horses having battled the previous day. It was a hard-earned win and another indicator that Loughnane is growing as a rider, understanding how to get the best out of the horse.
The treble on Friday places Loughnane once again firmly as one jockey to watch, and promotion up the rank continues at a phenomenal rate. The performances of the juvenile at Ayr showed not only his riding skills but an acute tactical sense and ability to get the best out of his horses in all conditions and situations. From a patient ride on Beronia to perfect positioning on Star of Mehmas and then some well-timed push with Yaaser, Loughnane delivered a masterclass in race riding.
But perhaps the confidence of that young jockey is growing with each success. Friday's hat-trick will enhance his reputation as one of Britain's stars of the future. With trainers like Richard Hughes and Jim Goldie sending him out to ride, and horses like Star of Mehmas just beginning to show their true potential, Billy Loughnane can look forward to quite a future. The racing world will be watching intently as his career continues to rise and days like Ayr become milestones on what could lead to greatness.
