The 2025 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood delivered one of the most dramatic and emotional moments in recent British horse racing history. In heavy rain that turned the famous track into a testing quagmire, Ryan Moore produced a masterclass aboard the Aidan O’Brien-trained Whirl to claim a dominant victory in the Group 1 contest. Yet the race will forever be remembered not just for the winner’s brilliance, but for the stunning post-race announcement from Godolphin’s star jockey William Buick: this was his final ride before retirement.
Buick, long known among fans and peers as the “Prince of the Track” for his elegant style and relentless consistency, had partnered Running Lion for John and Thady Gosden in what many assumed would be another strong showing from the Godolphin contender. The filly entered the race with solid form, including a recent Listed success, and connections held high hopes on the soft ground. Buick positioned her prominently early, tracking the pace as the field navigated the challenging conditions.
However, the rain intensified, forcing officials to abandon the starting stalls in favor of a rare flag start due to lightning risks nearby. This unconventional beginning played directly into the hands of Moore and Whirl.
From the moment the flag dropped, Moore seized the initiative. Whirl burst to the front and dictated terms throughout the mile-and-a-quarter journey. Buick attempted to stalk and pounce, relying on his trademark patient tactics that had won him countless big races over the years. But on this sodden afternoon, those tried-and-true methods met their match. Whirl maintained a relentless gallop, kicking clear in the final furlongs to win by an impressive five lengths. Running Lion fought gamely to hold second, but the gap underscored how superior the winner was on the day.
The heavy going and the bold front-running approach from Moore proved decisive, leaving Buick’s mount unable to close the deficit despite a determined effort in the straight.
As the horses returned to the unsaddling enclosure amid applause and the persistent downpour, Buick dismounted with a visible mix of exhaustion and reflection. In a brief but poignant statement to waiting reporters, he confirmed what had been whispered in racing circles for months: he was hanging up his boots. “This sport has given me everything,” Buick said, his voice steady despite the emotion. “I’ve been fortunate to ride for the best owners and trainers, to win Classics and Group 1s that I dreamed of as a kid. But today felt like the right moment to step away.
The rain, the battle with Ryan—it was a fitting end. Tough, but honest.” The announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd at Goodwood and rippled instantly across social media and racing forums worldwide.
Buick’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Norway in 1988, he moved to Britain to pursue his passion and quickly rose through the ranks. He shared the champion apprentice title in 2008 and steadily built a reputation for cool-headed riding in pressure situations. His association with Godolphin, beginning in earnest in the mid-2010s, elevated him to the pinnacle of the sport.
He became the stable’s go-to jockey in the UK, delivering iconic victories that included the Epsom Derby in 2018 aboard Masar, multiple St Leger triumphs, and a string of Group 1 successes at venues like Ascot, Newmarket, and Goodwood itself.
Notably, Buick had tasted Nassau Stakes glory before—three times, in fact—with Winsili in 2013, Sultanina in 2014, and Wild Illusion in 2018. Those wins highlighted his affinity for fillies and the unique demands of Goodwood’s undulating track. Yet in 2025, the script flipped. Ryan Moore, the perennial rival and one of the most decorated jockeys of his generation, added another chapter to his own legend by guiding Whirl—a daughter of Wootton Bassett who had already shown high-class form in the Oaks and Pretty Polly Stakes—to a commanding success.
Moore’s decision to make all from the flag start exploited the conditions perfectly, turning what could have been chaos into a procession.
Fans have mourned the news of Buick’s retirement with an outpouring of tributes. On platforms like X and Instagram, messages poured in calling him one of the most stylish and reliable riders of the modern era. Colleagues from the weighing room praised his professionalism and sportsmanship. Trainers like Charlie Appleby and John Gosden spoke of his integral role in their operations. Even Moore, ever gracious, offered warm words: “William’s been a fantastic competitor and a friend. The sport will miss him, but what a way to go out—fighting hard in a race like this.”
The 2025 Nassau Stakes unfolded under gray skies and relentless rain, but the atmosphere remained electric. Spectators huddled under umbrellas as the field navigated the slick turf, the commentary capturing every stride of the dramatic showdown. Whirl’s victory secured her place in the Breeders’ Cup conversation and reinforced Ballydoyle’s dominance in fillies’ races. For Buick, though, the spotlight shifted from the result to the end of an era.
Reflecting on his journey, Buick has often spoken about the sacrifices required in such a demanding profession—the early mornings, the weight battles, the constant travel. Yet he leaves with no regrets, having achieved what few jockeys ever do: multiple British Classics, Group 1 dominance for one of racing’s powerhouse stables, and the respect of an entire industry. His final ride, aboard a promising horse in a prestigious contest against top opposition, encapsulated the highs and lows that define the sport.
As the curtain falls on William Buick’s riding career, the racing world bids farewell to a true prince of the turf. The rain may have soaked Goodwood that day in late July 2025, but it could not wash away the legacy he built—one of skill, determination, and quiet class. Fans will remember the victories, the battles, and now, this poignant goodbye in the storm.
