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Hollie Doyle Wins International Jockeys Championship at Ascot, Edge Out William Buick

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 2:31 GMT by Sky Sports

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International Jockeys Championship: Ryan Moore, Hollie Doyle, William Buick to Face the World’s Best

The racing world’s spotlight turned to Ascot on Saturday as the International Jockeys Championship – a one‑off sprint that draws the globe’s top riders – ran to a thrilling conclusion. With the world‑famous track bathed in late‑summer sunshine, three of the sport’s brightest stars – 44‑year‑old veteran Ryan Moore, 25‑year‑old prodigy Hollie Doyle, and 38‑year‑old stalwart William Buick – were at the front of the field, ready to test their mettle against champions from across the world. The event, part of the Jockey Club’s “Championship Series,” promised a packed weekend of high‑octane racing, generous prize money, and a showcase of the next generation of jockey talent.

What the International Jockeys Championship Is All About

In the lead‑up to the race, the Jockey Club’s website explained that the Championship is a single‑track sprint designed to highlight pure riding skill rather than horse class or stamina. The horses are assigned to each jockey in a “random” draw, and all six competitors – including a handful of surprise entrants from the United States, France, and Japan – will face each other over a short, 1,200‑metre stretch of the famous Ascot course. The event is meant to emulate the feel of a classic “match” race, where jockeys rather than mounts take centre stage.

The prize fund, announced by the event sponsors (in partnership with Racing Post, Sky Sports, and the Jockey Club itself), tops £120,000 for the winner, with a £40,000 bonus for the top two finishing positions. For many of the riders involved, the purse is a lucrative addition to an already prosperous season.

A Star‑Studded Line‑up

The headline‑grabbing roster includes:

With the roster largely British but sprinkled with international talent, the Championship serves as a microcosm of the global racing industry, demonstrating that top jockeys can transcend national boundaries in pursuit of excellence.

Pre‑Race Buzz and Expectations

Just days before the race, Sky Sports’ racing editor, Neil O’Brien, interviewed each of the key riders. The conversations revealed a mixture of confidence and caution. Ryan Moore admitted that he was “thrilled to be in a field of so many great riders,” while Hollie Doyle emphasized the pressure of the occasion: “I’ve raced against world‑class jockeys before, but this is a new kind of test, and I want to prove I belong at the very top.” William Buick, always the level‑headed rider, commented that “the race is a pure test of skill; you win or you learn something.”

The commentary also highlighted the unique format: each jockey’s mount is drawn at random from a pool of six quality sprinters. That element of chance is expected to create a level playing field, ensuring the race’s outcome is largely determined by the riders’ decisions and not merely the quality of the horse.

The Race Itself – A Moment‑by‑Moment

From the outset, the race exuded a palpable energy. As the starter’s pistol fired, the six horses lined up in a tight pack at the 600‑metre marker. The jockeys’ movements were a ballet of nerves and confidence. Moore’s mount took the lead in the first quarter, while Doyle’s mount stayed behind the front runners, waiting for an opening.

By the 900‑metre mark, the field was still tightly packed. Doyle’s strategy to conserve stamina began to pay off as her mount made a late surge. At the 1,100‑metre point, William Buick’s horse slipped ahead – a testament to his “walk‑through” approach, keeping the horse steady under the pressure of the others. Kevin Stott’s mount, meanwhile, found a small opening, but the others were too close to catch.

The final 100 metres were a whirlwind. Doyle’s mount made a bold move at the 1,200‑metre threshold, overtaking Buick’s horse with an impressive burst of speed. In the last stride, the race finished with a touch‑and‑go finish: Hollie Doyle narrowly edged out William Buick by a whisker, with Ryan Moore closing out the top three.

The finish drew a roar from the stands. Doyle’s victory, which ended up being a 0.02‑second win, was hailed as a triumph of youthful daring against seasoned experience.

Reactions and Aftermath

In the post‑race press conference, Hollie Doyle was described as “a legend in the making.” She praised her team and the challenge presented by the other jockeys, saying, “It was the best field I’ve ever faced, and the fact that I could beat such great riders is a confidence‑boosting sign for my future.” Ryan Moore, who came in third, congratulated Doyle, noting that “the race was as much about the jockey as the horse – and that’s what makes it special.” William Buick, though disappointed to finish off the podium, thanked the field and called the competition “a fantastic showcase for the sport.”

The race’s impact extends beyond the immediate results. Analysts point out that the Championship will likely influence jockey selection for future International Group races, particularly at the upcoming Global Sprint Championships in Qatar. With Doyle’s win, she now stands out as a potential candidate for the 2025 International Jockeys Championship’s next edition.

Conclusion

The International Jockeys Championship at Ascot has once again demonstrated the global appeal of thoroughbred racing and the razor‑sharp talent of its jockeys. The race was a reminder that while horses carry the glamour, it is the rider’s skill, strategy, and daring that ultimately decide the outcome. Hollie Doyle’s triumph, Ryan Moore’s seasoned performance, and William Buick’s resilient effort provide a perfect narrative for the event, offering a glimpse into a future where the world’s best jockeys will continue to clash in fiercely competitive, high‑stakes contests. The Championship, with its blend of tradition and innovation, has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the racing calendar, and it will no doubt return with even more excitement in the years to come.