The bookies predict a new champion - and Rossa Ryan v Billy Loughnane could provide a fascinating subplot to the season
Sam Hendry on a possible changing of the guard among the Flat's elite jockeys
The last six British Flat jockeys' championships have been dominated by Oisin Murphy and William Buick, with four wins for the former and two for Godolphin's number one, but this year could see a changing of the guard.
It feels slightly surprising to see neither man at the head of the market on this year's title race, which is instead topped by 2-1 joint-favourites Rossa Ryan and Billy Loughnane.
Buick, a 16-1 chance with William Hill, is a more understandable longshot. After back-to-back triumphs in 2022 and 2023, he took a back seat last year and looks set to continue in that vein. When you have the quality of rides and commitments around the world that he does, the daily grind of a title race becomes much less enticing, particularly for someone with a young family.
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