William Buick set to miss Epsom Derby Day as Godolphin sit out Classic

While the racing world’s attention will be firmly fixed on Epsom for Saturday’s 2026 Betfred Derby, one familiar face looks set to be missing from the meeting. Godolphin’s number one jockey, William Buick, is expected to be riding at Doncaster rather than Epsom after the operation failed to secure a runner for this year’s Derby-the first time that has happened since 2020.

Reports on suggested Buick is due to take three rides on the Town Moor card, partnering Carpe Portus, Quartermaster and Study Of Words, instead of lining up in Britain’s premier Classic.

It marks a rare Derby Day without a Godolphin representative in the race itself, leaving Buick free to fulfil other riding commitments away from Epsom.

It will also be the second consecutive year Buick has missed out on a Derby ride, with his most recent appearance in the race coming aboard Ancient Wisdom, who finished eighth in 2024.

William Buick’s 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 plenty of interest from punters, and Buick’s presence at the South Yorkshire venue will provide a significant boost to the meeting.

No Godolphin Challenge at Epsom on Derby Day

With Godolphin absent from the Derby and Buick heading to Doncaster, the spotlight at Epsom could once again fall on Aidan O’Brien’s formidable Ballydoyle team.

Whether Benvenuto Cellini can justify favouritism remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Derby Day 2026 will feel a little different without William Buick walking into the Epsom weighing room.

This will be the first time since Serpentine’s victory in 2020 that Godolphin have gone into the Derby without a runner.

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Godolphin Have Two Epsom Derby Wins in Their Famous Blue Silks

Despite being one of the sport’s most dominant global racing operations, Godolphin have won the Epsom Derby just twice under their iconic royal blue colours.

Their breakthrough 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 silks.

Three years later, Godolphin struck again as Adayar landed the 2021 Derby for the same trainer, giving the operation a second success in Britain’s most prestigious Flat race.

Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed also enjoyed Derby glory with Lammtarra in 1995, although that colt did not race in the famous blue silks and is therefore not officially counted among Godolphin’s Derby winners.

Godolphin Derby Winners

• Masar (2018) – Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Jockey: William Buick
• Adayar (2021) – Trainer: Charlie Appleby, Jockey: Adam Kirby

Both victories were masterminded by Charlie Appleby, who remains the only Godolphin trainer to have won the Derby.

William Buick Has One Epsom Derby Win To His Name

Despite missing this year’s race, Buick boasts a respectable record in the Epsom Classic.

The Norwegian-born rider has won the Derby once during his distinguished career.

That success came aboard Masar in 2018, when he partnered Charlie Appleby’s colt to victory and helped Godolphin secure their first-ever Derby triumph in the famous royal blue silks.

Godolphin returned to the winner’s enclosure in 2021 with Adayar, although Adam Kirby was in the saddle on that occasion, giving Appleby his second Derby success.

Buick still played a prominent role that year, finishing third aboard Godolphin’s Hurricane Lane.

2026 Derby Favourite: Benvenuto Cellini Tops The Betting 

This year’s Derby looks set to be dominated once again by Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Ballydoyle operation.

Heading the betting is Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini, who has attracted strong support in the ante-post market and is widely viewed as the stable’s leading contender.

The colt has been aimed at Epsom throughout the season and arrives with an excellent profile after maintaining his unbeaten record over middle distances.

Among his main rivals are Dante Stakes winner Item and stablemate Pierre Bonnard, while several other Ballydoyle runners remain firmly in contention.

Aidan O’Brien: Another Strong Derby Hand

As final declarations draw closer, Aidan O’Brien appears set to field a sizeable team as he bids 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 market leader Benvenuto Cellini.

The others still entered were Action, Causeway, Christmas Day, Endorsement, Pierre Bonnard and Proposition.

O’Brien already holds the record for the most Derby victories, with 11, and once again looks set to account for a significant portion of the final field.

Plus landed the French Derby last weekend at Chantilly with Constitution River.