Talented mare Captain Amelia salutes for superstar apprentice Billy Loughnane with upset win at Randwick

Irish-born teen riding sensation Billy Loughnane produced a perfectly timed ride aboard Captain Amelia at Randwick to land his first Sydney winner during his Australian sojourn.

Teen sensation Billy Loughnane scores his first Sydney win aboard Captain Amelia at Randwick. Picture: Getty Images

Irish-born teenage riding sensation Billy Loughnane got off the mark in Sydney racing with a fast-finishing win on Captain Amelia at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Loughnane, 18, followed his breakthrough Australian wins on Bartolf and Hovland at the provincials during the week with his first metropolitan success on Captain Amelia in the Inglis Classic Sale Handicap (1400m).

The superstar apprentice, dubbed “Billy the Kid” by the British press, is only in Sydney until the end of January but he is quickly demonstrating the talents that won him England’s champion apprentice title last year.

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But, understandably, Loughnane was unsure where to bring the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained Captain Amelia back to the winner’s stall and entered the enclosure via the wrong gate post-race.

Loughnane then showing a maturity beyond his years when he addressed the media post-race, explaining it was “contacts” that led him to have a six-week stint in Sydney racing.

“I’ve had a stint in America but it is hard to get into the Asian tracks of Hong Kong and Japan,” Loughnane said.

“I want to try and get up there at some stage but I am really enjoying my time in Sydney.”

Loughnane, who rode his 300th career winner during the week, probably finds a Sydney summer more challenging, particularly as it is very cold and wet back home in Newmarket, England at this time of year.

“I can ride eight or nine horses at home and not raise a sweat,” Loughnane said. “But it is very hot in Sydney, these are some of the hottest conditions I’ve ridden in.

What a thriller! Captain Amelia gives @Loughnane_blly his first Randwick winner!@JohnOSheaRacing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/WRGjsKwmV5

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024

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“Despite the heat, I’m enjoying the challenge of riding on these tracks and I’m learning a lot.

“With Captain Amelia, it was a case of getting her to switch off in the first half as she has a lovely turn of foot when you let her down.”

Loughnane got the timing just right on Captain Amelia ($20) who came from near last on the turn to run down Dark Glitter ($18) near the line and score by a half neck with Terrestar ($8) just over a length away third.

Infatuation ($3.60 favourite) led for home but was soon under pressure before fading in the final 200m to finish fourth.

“It wasn’t too long ago that Captain Amelia performed well in the Flight Stakes,” Charlton said.

“She has already shown she is up to this grade and with a beautiful run in transit she as able to perform to her best.”

Charlton made mention of Loughnane, adding the whiz kid has made a favourable impression since arriving in Sydney.

"Thrilled for him!"

Tom Charlton was all praise for @Loughnane_blly after his win on Captain Amelia today! Also hear from the man himself, 'Billy the kid' after his first city winner in Australia 👏@JohnOSheaRacing | @aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/UuIsKhEkoU

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 21, 2024

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“I’m thrilled for Billy,” Charlton said after the race.

“He has been a pleasure to do anything with.

“He is a real talent and it is hard to believe he is only 18, he’s just fantastic.

“Since he has been here, he has adapted so quickly, his research, knowledge and professionalism for such a young person is a real credit to him and his mentors.”

Charlton is good friends with English trainer and Loughnane’s boss, George Boughey, which led to the teenage riding sensation making his way to Sydney for summer.

Loughnane, who confirmed he has to return to England by February 1 to start riding for Boughey in preparation for the 2025 flat season, followed his premiership win with another remarkable season this year, riding 162 winners across Europe.

He also rode his first winner at England’s famous Royal Ascot meeting on Rashabar in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes.

Loughnane follows a long list of outstanding British-based jockeys who have had successful stints in Australia over summer including Tom Marquand, William Buick, James Doyle and Oisin Murphy.

Originally published as Talented mare Captain Amelia salutes for superstar apprentice Billy Loughnane with upset win at Randwick