William Buick, whose father was a champion jockey and mother a dressage rider, came to prominence when he won the Lester Award for Apprentice Jockey of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and shared the Champion Apprentice Jockey title in 2008 with David Probert. He signed to Dubai’s Godolphin racing empire in 2014.
William Buick CV
Born: Oslo, 1988
Education: Secondary school in Norway
Career: Started work for Andrew Balding at 16, first professional ride aged 18, first win in September 2006.
Lives: Newmarket, with girlfriend Jane
Did you think you would get to where you are?
No, because it was my dream to achieve what I have now. When I started riding racehorses at 12 in Norway it was something I loved doing and I could see myself doing it in the future. I could already ride on ponies, but a racehorse is so much more powerful, quicker and dangerous. It is like going from a small car to a Ferrari. You fall off every now and then but you have to get back up again. I was never really frightened but I have great respect for horses. Being a jockey is not a profession but a lifestyle.
When you had made your first £1m did you want to slow down?
I would have accumulated over £1m in my bank account some time last year, from several years’ work. The amount I earn is never my first consideration, but every time I win prize money I put 30 per cent away for savings and my pension.
Slowing down would be impossible. I am always planning for the next race, as I compete in 800 to 1,000 races a year. I am expected to travel for 40,000 to 50,000 miles a year within the UK, and on top of that you have international travel. Last week I was competing in Australia and Dubai. Next week I will be in Japan.
What is the secret of your success?
I am fortunate in my career in that I have ridden some fantastic horses. It goes without saying that the jockey is only as good as his horse. You need to make a name for yourself riding winners, and reach a level where owners and trainers want to use you. You have to look after the people around you, and never forget those who have helped you along the way.
You also need to be professional, which means putting in the hours in the gym, and paying attention to your diet and weight. If our weight goes to nine stone or more we are in trouble. We have to be around eight stone six. I have to eat a lot of fish, fruit and vegetables.
Where is the serious money in racing?
Every race has prize money and you get a fee for riding the horse. Prize money and winning the big races on good horses is where the bulk of our earnings come from. With success comes recognition and then sponsorship. If you win the Dubai Sheema Classic, £2m will be split between the owner, the trainer and the jockey. The jockey and the trainer receive around 10 per cent each, sometimes a bit less in other countries. The most valuable race in the world is the Dubai World Cup, in March, in which up to 16 of the best horses compete.
Do you have time for personal financial planning?
I have got a financial adviser and a book-keeper who deal with all my paperwork. I want to keep track of everything but when the job is so demanding you need people around you to take over. My financial adviser is based in Newmarket, with many clients from the horseracing community. She does everything for me, from comparing mortgage rates to recommending insurances and liaising with my sponsor.
Do you have a career strategy?
I would not say I have worked out a strategy because you learn every day as you go along. Being a jockey can be a great leveller. You have just got to try and stay ahead of the game. If you have a strategy you have to be prepared for change and things can change quickly in this sport. Every day brings with it an all-consuming routine.
What is the most challenging aspect of your career?
Each day is a challenge because you are not going to win every single time, and if you don’t it becomes more challenging, especially if you are not getting the right horses. Obviously winning races and getting it right is hugely rewarding. You have got to be on the ball every time you compete. Everyone will notice if you are having an off day.
Do you want to carry on till you drop?
As long as I am still fit and healthy and able to ride the best horses, there is no reason why I cannot continue until I am 50. I would like to achieve that. The world’s biggest and most prestigious race is the Investec Derby at Epsom, which dates back to 1780. Winning this, and with it the prize of nearly £800,000, is every rider’s dream.
Have you made any pension provision?
You can take out a pension through the Professional Jockeys Association, but at 19 I started my own private pension instead. My father got me saving regularly from when I was 18. He used to be a professional jockey himself and is only too aware of the brevity of a sports career. He suggested that I get on top of financial matters while I can, as this is not a profession where you can predict your earnings.
Do you believe in giving something back to the community?
I try to be involved with horse-related causes as much as I can. We have a great charity in Newmarket, Racing Welfare, who provide assistance for stud, stable and support staff in times of need. When I was Champion Jockey of the Week in Goodwood in August this year, I received a £1,000 charity voucher that I gave to Racing Welfare.
Do you allow yourself the odd indulgence?
I have a pretty good lifestyle, and after so much hard work I don’t deny myself a few luxuries. But you have got to be sensible. I drive a Mercedes and last year I went to the Maldives. It is great to be able to buy designer clothes and dine at good restaurants. I am lucky enough to do something I’ve been interested in all my life, and earning a living out of it. That in itself is an indulgence.
Your most prudent investment?
My properties in Newmarket. I was 19 when I bought my first one, a four-bedroom house that I sold after two years. Today I own a two-bedroom flat that I bought when I was 21 and I rent out, and last year I bought the five-bedroom house that I live in. I’m interested in local property because I realise the importance of having it as part of my investment portfolio.
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