Break-out star Billy Loughnane, 18, heading Down Under to gain experience after breakthrough success at Royal Ascot

Billy Loughnane will spend the winter in Australia to gain more valuable experience and build the momentum behind his burgeoning career.

The 18-year-old captured the attention of a wider audience this summer when he enjoyed his breakthrough successes at Royal Ascot. 

He is flying in the Flat Jockeys’ Championship and has ridden 51 winners since the race for that title began in May, a tally that sees him in the top five. 

There is a huge buzz about Loughnane’s progress but he is not the kind of character to simply focus on positive words and, with that in mind, he has started making plans to head to Australia, where big racing carnivals are held in Sydney and Melbourne.

‘I haven’t worked things out yet but I will definitely go,’ said Loughnane, who was out of luck yesterday in six rides at Chester. ‘It’s something I am looking forward to doing. I went to America a couple of years ago and it will benefit me.’

Bradsell, meanwhile, has emerged as a thrilling new candidate for the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York in three weeks after returning to action with a bang in a Listed race at Deauville yesterday, much to the delight of trainer Archie Watson.

On a day when British runners were sunk without trace in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest, including July Cup winner Mill Stream, behind runaway winner Lazzat, Bradsell’s performance was thrilling for Watson and jockey Hollie Doyle.

‘I’m so happy and it’s amazing to see him back,’ Doyle said. ‘I’ve never known a horse as tough as him and all credit to Archie and Mike Murphy who rides him every day. The future is bright, isn’t it? He will come on for this.’