Who is racing's Lionel Messi? The leading seven jockeys primed to shine in 2020

Ahead of the start of the Flat season on June 1, James Stevens picks out the key jockeys to watch . . .

Oisin Murphy

Oisin Murphy enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, culminating in being crowned champion jockey. He racked up an incredible 168 winners in his title-winning season, while he also excelled on the big stage too – away from Britain he landed the Japan Cup, one of the world's biggest races.

His focus will be on retaining his champion title this season although a Classic winner is the one key absence on his glittering CV. Perhaps Qatar Racing's Kameko can be the one to give him that success.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners 220
Strike-rate 20 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) -£77.77
Biggest success Japan Cup with Suave Richard
Most winners at Kempton (30)
Key ride in 2020 Kameko

He is racing's... Kylian Mbappe In just a short space of time he has become one of the very best. Still pretty young but already a top force at the elite level.

Frankie Dettori

Frankie Dettori: celebrated a Royal Ascot four-timer last seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

A world-renowned star of the saddle, Frankie Dettori heads into 2020 following an incredible season the year before. He rode an astonishing 19 winners at Group 1 level last year, but his season ended with heartache as star mare Enable finished second in her history-making bid for a third Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Enable will look to avenge that defeat as she returns to Paris in October, but rest assured Dettori will land a fair few big prizes before then.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners 66
Strike-rate 26 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) -£26.20
Biggest success King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Enable
Most winners at Ascot (12)
Key ride in 2020 Enable

He is racing's... Cristiano Ronaldo One of the very best in the history of the sport, combining world-class talent, longevity and with plenty of flair and charisma while doing so.

Ryan Moore

Ryan Moore: one of the best in the worldCredit: Edward Whitaker

The key man in the saddle for the all-conquering Ballydoyle operation, year-on-year Ryan Moore continues to excel on the big stage. He is a sublime tactician and understands how to get his rides to perform at their very best. When Moore is in top form he is almost impossible to beat.

Compared to recent years, 2019 was a solid, rather than spectaculat campaign for Moore. While the Aidan O'Brien stable won three British Classics, he was not in the saddle for any of those wins. Despite that, he won at the top level in Britain, Ireland, France, Japan and Australia last season.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners (Britain) 71
Strike-rate 16 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) -£157.19
Biggest success Irish Champion Stakes on Magical
Most winners at Yarmouth (9)
Key ride in 2020 Mogul

He is racing's... Lionel Messi It is a hot debate as to whether he is better than Ronaldo, or in this case Dettori, but on his day he is unstoppable. Determined, unbelievably talented and focused on winning.

Tom Marquand

Tom Marquand: as short as 5-1 to be named champion jockey this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Another of the leading young names in the weighing room, former champion apprentice Tom Marquand has developed into a big contender to be crowned champion jockey this year. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, he was plying his trade in Australia and landed two top-level prizes on Addeybb, as well as picking up a fine for breaching social distancing regulations.

Many feel a lot more success will come his way this season, with bookmakers reporting he has been strongly backed to win his first title.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners (Britain) 136
Strike-rate 13 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) +14.08
Biggest success Northumberland Plate on Who Dares Wins
Most winners at Lingfield (16)
Key ride in 2020 Born With Pride

He is racing's... Kevin de Bruyne Motivated and a real hard-worker with consistent moments of brilliance. Not yet had his career-defining victory, but surely only a matter of time.

Danny Tudhope

Danny Tudhope is all smiles after winning the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on Move Swiftly at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

Made a surprise charge for the champion jockey title last season when pipped at the post by Oisin Murphy. But this northern-based rider enjoyed a brilliant season which he will hope to build on in 2020.

He sparkled on the big days, and an excellent Royal Ascot went under the radar after Frankie's Thursday four-timer. Tudhope had four winners at the meeting with a fifth inches away, Dream Of Dreams finishing a narrow second behind Blue Point in the Diamond Jubilee.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners (Britain) 159
Strike-rate 20 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) -7.75
Biggest success Queen Anne Stakes with Lord Glitters
Most winners at Ripon (20)
Key ride in 2020 Dream Of Dreams

He is racing's ...Harry Kane. A reliable figure who will always find a way on to the scoresheet – or into the winner's enclosure. Thrives on the big days but does not disappoint on the smaller ones. There's a feeling his career-defining moment is to come.

Silvestre de Sousa

Silvestre de Sousa: looking to become champion jockey for a fourth time this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

A three-time champion jockey, Silvestre de Sousa is one of the most reliable riders in the game and another favourite for punters. He rides for a wealth of trainers while he is also retained by the emerging King Power Racing operation who will have plenty of firepower this season.

Last season, a broken collarbone all but ended his jockeys' title hopes but he is as short as 2-1 to reclaim the championship. He is sure to put up another good fight.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners (Britain) 103
Strike-rate 17 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) -100.42
Biggest success British Champions Sprint with Donjuan Triumphant
Most winners at Windsor (11)
Key ride in 2020 Fox Chairman

He is racing's... Neymar. One of the best in the world and hailing from Brazil. Naturally gifted and consistent, and respected every time he is in action.

Hollie Doyle

Hollie Doyle: has already ridden 35 winners in 2020Credit: Edward Whitaker

Improved rapidly as the season went on last season and a late flurry of winners helped her create history, by becoming the third female rider to have 100 winners in a season. Began the year in similarly red-hot form and is on track to beat last season's record.

2019 Statpack

Overall winners (Britain) 116
Strike-rate 14 per cent
Profit and loss (to a £1 stake) -48.67
Biggest success Hever Sprint Stakes with Gorgeous Noora
Most winners at Kempton (20)
Key ride in 2020 The Perfect Crown

She is racing's...Lucy Bronze. Has quickly emerged on the scene and has become a favourite for her determination and never-say-die attitude. Still has a lot ahead of her and a role model for females in sport.

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