William Buick: global champion sets his sights on Melbourne Cup glory

Buick was born in Norway into a family with an equestrian background – his mother, Maria, was a show jumper and dressage rider, while his father, Walter, was a champion jockey in Denmark and Norway. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a champion apprentice in Great Britain. He subsequently caught the eye of renowned trainer John Gosden, serving as his stable jockey and achieving significant success.

In 2015, Buick joined Godolphin, where he currently rides as the retained rider for trainer Charlie Appleby. This partnership has garnered Group 1 victories in numerous countries, including England, France, Ireland, the United States, Australia, and Hong Kong.

As the 2022 and 2023 British Flat Racing Champion Jockey, Buick has triumphed in prestigious races, including the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, St Leger Stakes, Irish Derby, and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. His international victories also include the Breeders’ Cup Turf, Dubai Sheema Classic, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Buick has experienced the unique atmosphere of the Lexus Melbourne Cup firsthand, having ridden in the race multiple times, with his best result being sixth place in 2011 on Lost in the Moment. He finished eighth in 2019 aboard Cross Counter, who had won the race the previous year with Kerrin McEvoy. In 2022, he partnered with the 2023 winner Without A Fight, finishing 13th that year.

He understands the challenges of the race, noting, “It’s a hard race to win ... so many factors involved obviously with it being a handicap ... you really need a horse that's probably on the up and that doesn't carry too much weight.”

Buick also recognises the tactical complexities of the Cup: “The pace is on for the first time down the straight, and then the brakes really do come on. So you need to get the position and then try to conserve energy and make sure you don’t cover too much ground.”

Despite these challenges, Buick is eager to conquer the race. “Australian racing is fascinating all around. It’s a real highlight.”

With his exceptional skills, global experience, and fierce determination, could 2024 finally be Buick’s year?