- William Buick not expected to ride at Epsom on Derby Day
- No Epsom Derby runner for Godolphin – the first time since 2020
- Buick expected to ride at Doncaster on Derby Day
While the racing world’s attention will be fixed firmly on Epsom for the 2026 Betfred Derby on Saturday, one notable absentee from the meeting is set to be Godolphin’s number one jockey, William Buick.
Buick, who has been synonymous with many of Godolphin’s biggest successes over the last decade, is expected to be riding at Doncaster instead of Epsom after the operation failed to secure a runner in this year’s Derby – the first time since 2020.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that Buick is set to take three rides on the Town Moor card aboard Carpe Portus, Quartermaster and Study Of Words rather than competing in Britain’s premier Classic.
The decision marks a rare Derby Day without a Godolphin representative in the race itself, leaving Buick free to honour other riding commitments away from Epsom.
This will also be the second year that William Buick hasn’t ridden in the Derby – with his last ride in the race on Ancient Wisdom (8th) in 2024.
Buick’s Expected Doncaster Rides
The champion jockey is currently expected to partner three horses at Doncaster:
- Carpe Portus
- Quartermaster
- Study Of Words
Those rides are likely to attract significant interest from punters, with Buick’s presence at the South Yorkshire venue sure to be a major boost for the meeting.
No Godolphin Challenge At Epsom
With Godolphin set to be without a Derby runner and Buick riding at Doncaster instead, the spotlight at Epsom could once again fall on O’Brien’s formidable Ballydoyle battalion.
Whether Benvenuto Cellini can justify favouritism remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Derby Day 2026 will look a little different without William Buick walking into the Epsom weighing room.
2026 will be the first time Godolphin don’t have a Derby runner since Serpentine won in 2020.
Godolphin Have Won The Epsom Derby Twice (in their blue silks)
Despite being one of the sport’s dominant global racing operations, Godolphin have won the Epsom Derby just twice under their famous royal blue silks.
Their breakthrough success came in 2018 when Masar, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, made history by becoming the first horse to win the Derby carrying the Godolphin colours.
Three years later, Godolphin struck again when Adayar landed the 2021 Derby for the same trainer, giving the operation a second victory in Britain’s most prestigious Flat race.
Godolphin’s founder, Sheikh Mohammed, also enjoyed Derby success with Lammtarra in 1995, although that colt did not race in the Godolphin blue silks and is therefore not officially counted among Godolphin’s Derby winners.
Godolphin Epsom Derby Winners
- Masar (2018) – Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Jockey: William Buick
- Adayar (2021) – Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Jockey: Adam Kirby
Both victories were trained by Charlie Appleby, who remains the only Godolphin trainer to win the Derby.
How Many Times Has William Buick Won The Derby?
Despite missing this year’s race, Buick has a fair record in the Epsom Classic.
The Norwegian-born rider has won the Derby once during his distinguished career.
With his only success coming in 2018 when he partnered the Charlie Appleby-trained Masar to victory for Godolphin, becoming the first horse carrying the famous royal blue silks to win the race.
Godolphin struck again in 2021 with Adayar, but Adam Kirby rode that one to give trainer Charlie Appleby a second Derby triumph.
Buick was back in third that year, on Godolphin’s Hurricane Lane.
2026 Derby Favourite: Benvenuto Cellini Heads The Market
This year’s Derby looks set to be dominated by the powerful Ballydoyle operation of Aidan O’Brien once again.
Heading the betting is Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini (watch below), who has been strongly supported in the ante-post market and is widely regarded as the stable’s leading contender.
The colt has been targeted at Epsom throughout the season and arrives with an outstanding profile after maintaining his unbeaten record over middle distances.
Among his chief rivals are Dante Stakes winner Item and stablemate Pierre Bonnard, while several other Ballydoyle runners remain in contention.
Aidan O’Brien Holds A Strong Derby Hand Again
As final declarations approach, Aidan O’Brien appears set to field a sizeable team in his bid for a fourth consecutive Derby victory.
Following Monday’s confirmation stage, seven Ballydoyle-trained runners remained in contention for the £2 million Classic, headed by Derby betting odds favourite Benvenuto Cellini.
The others still entered included Action, Causeway, Christmas Day, Endorsement, Pierre Bonnard and Proposition.
Aidan O’Brien already holds the record for the most Derby victories (11) and will once again be responsible for a significant percentage of the final field.
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