Kevin Blake Shifts Focus to Billy Loughnane’s Pursuit of Racing League Top Jockey Title

As the Racing League draws to a close at Southwell on Thursday night, Ireland team manager Kevin Blake has set his sights firmly on helping young jockey Billy Loughnane claim the coveted top jockey trophy. While Blake’s team made a bold push for the overall title with a four-timer at Newcastle during the penultimate night of action, the Ireland manager has accepted that their chances of retaining the team championship have slipped away.

Acknowledging the tough competition, Blake stated, “We have zero chance, and mathematically it can’t really happen. The team competition has probably gone. But our focus now is on Billy, who is right in the mix for top jockey.”

Loughnane, affectionately dubbed “Billy the Kid,” is locked in a tight battle with defending champion Saffie Osborne, who has claimed the top jockey title for the past two years. With everything still to play for, Blake is determined to give his jockey every possible chance to secure the top spot.

Blake explained, “The whole event is finely poised with a three-way contest for both the team competition and top jockey. It’s going to be fiercely competitive, and we’re gearing up for a great night of sport.”

To support Loughnane’s bid, Blake has ensured that the young rider will have a full book of seven rides at Southwell. Regular collaborator George Boughey, who has been a key ally for Blake’s team, has carefully held back several strong contenders with this night in mind, making sure Loughnane has the best possible ammunition for his title charge.

Blake shared his strategy: “Billy has seven rides, and we’ve filled his book with the best chances we can to get him over the line. I’ve got 60 entries for Ireland, which is a fantastic number, and I wish I had that every week. George will have at least five runners, and Billy will ride all of them. He’s been minding a few horses specifically with this week in mind.”

One notable Irish runner making the journey is Ciaran Murphy’s Walhaan, fresh off a win at Leopardstown. The horse will line up under a penalty as part of a team largely composed of runners from trainers George Boughey, David O’Meara, Richard Hughes, and contributions from Mark and David Loughnane, alongside Ciaran Murphy.

As the Racing League reaches its thrilling conclusion, all eyes will be on Loughnane as he battles to become the new top jockey. While the team title may be out of reach, Blake and his team are leaving nothing to chance in their pursuit of individual glory, ensuring it’s set to be a night to remember at Southwell.