Ryan Moore holds aces among leading jockeys

Five years of the QIPCO British Champion Series have produced five different leading jockeys in Tom Queally, Joseph O’Brien, Richard Hughes, Ryan Moore and Frankie Dettori. Here’s a guide to this year’s principal protagonists.

RYAN MOORE

Age: 32

British Champions Series wins: 14

The three-time champion was the leading Series jockey in 2014 and began last year in dream fashion, riding the winners of the 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas and Yorkshire Cup.  However, he endured a frustrating time afterwards – finishing runner-up in six Series contests and missing another dozen after being sidelined almost three months by a neck injury suffered in July. Will be hard to stop this summer, when the riches at his disposal will include Air Force Blue, Minding, Ballydoyle, Found, Legatissimo, US Army Ranger and Order Of St George.

FRANKIE DETTORI

Age: 45

BCS wins: 12

Rode just three Series winners between 2012 and 2014 but bounced back with a bang last year after renewing ties with John Gosden. The pair combined for seven group one wins, with Dettori’s five Series victories – including two aboard the outstanding Golden Horn – helping him to be the leading rider. Golden Horn has been retired but Gosden and Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, the owner who retains Dettori’s services, should again provide him with plenty of firepower. Shalaa will be among his exciting mounts once recovered from a pelvic injury.

WILLIAM BUICK

Age: 27

BCS wins: 13

Failed to register a Series success last year but only Moore has ridden a greater number of winners during the first five years of the Series and it will be a surprise if he draws another blank this term. The Godolphin jockey will be looking to Jack Hobbs, the Investec Derby runner-up, to be a force in all the top middle-distance races. Lumiere and Emotionless will be among others to excite him.

JAMES DOYLE

Age: 27

BCS wins: 7

Has achieved his seven Series wins in the past three years, with Night Of Thunder (Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes) and Amazing Maria (Qipco Falmouth Stakes) clicking for him at the highest level last season. The former has been retired but the latter will be back for more. Saeed Bin Suroor’s stable jockey will also be hoping to get back on board Henry Candy’s classy Limato at some stage, having ridden him twice in 2015.

ANDREA ATZENI

Age: 24

BCS wins: 5

Few jockeys enjoyed last year’s Series races over at least a mile and a half more than Atzeni. He rode the winners of the QIPCO-sponsored King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Socialites E-Cigarettes Expert Doncaster Cup, Ladbrokes St Leger and QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. Has left his role as first jockey to Qatar Racing but linking up again with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid and Roger Varian should ensure more lucrative days. Postponed looks his outstanding ride for 2016.

PAUL HANAGAN

Age: 35

BCS wins: 7

As first jockey to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, the dual champion should again make his presence felt. Enjoyed three glittering Series triumphs in 2014 through Taghrooda (two wins) and

Mukhadram, and would have matched that tally last year had he chosen to ride Muhaarar, instead of Adaay, in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. Massaat, runner-up in the Dewhurst, is an obvious one for him to look forward to.

OISIN MURPHY

Age: 20

BCS wins: 1

Champion apprentice in 2014 who enjoyed his first Series winner that year aboard Hot Streak in the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock Park. Has not had many opportunities since but that will be different this season because the youngster is Qatar Racing’s only retained jockey after the departure of Andrea Atzeni. Simple Verse, Arod and La Rioja are among those who promise to set his pulse racing.

PAT SMULLEN

Age: 38

BCS wins: 6

Points last year: 60

The seven-time Irish champion jockey has ridden two Series winners in three of the past four years and Dermot Weld, his employer, can be relied upon to find him another gem or two to partner. In addition, Smullen can look forward to renewing his partnership with the Hugo Palmer-trained Covert Love and, perhaps, again being called upon to wear the silks of Prince Khalid Abdullah.

MAXIME GUYON

Age: 26

BCS wins: 4

Partnered Solow to victory in three Series races last year – the Queen Anne Stakes. the QIPCO Sussex Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Those contests are again on the brilliant French miler’s agenda for this year and the grey seems certain to give Guyon more days in the sun. The stylish Frenchman has never ridden in more than ten British races in a season.

SILVESTRE DE SOUSA

Age: 35

BCS wins: 4

The runaway champion jockey last season, when he guided home 152 winners. There is no doubting the Brazilian’s ability or work ethic but only seven of those successes were in group or listed company, with his sole Series triumph being aboard Arabian Queen, who belied odds of 50-1 when repelling Golden Horn in the Juddmonte International Stakes.