William Buick
A globe-trotting jockey whose cool precision in the saddle has delivered classic victories on the world's most prestigious racetracks.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Norwegian-born flat jockey·Birthday: July 22·Millennials
Biography
William Buick, born in Norway to a Scottish jockey father, was practically born into the saddle. His family's equestrian background meant his path was set early, and he honed his craft in the UK's competitive apprentice ranks, quickly earning recognition as a top young rider. His big break came with a stint as stable jockey for trainer John Gosden, a partnership that yielded major wins and established Buick's reputation for intelligence and tactical grace under pressure. His subsequent alignment with the powerhouse Godolphin operation turned him into an international star. Buick's season is a perpetual global tour, from the Derby at Epsom to the Arc in Paris and championship meetings in Hong Kong and Dubai. He is known for a quiet, analytical approach, often saving ground with daring inside runs, making him a feared competitor in any field.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
William was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When William Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
William's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Epsom Derby in 2018 aboard Masar, securing his first victory in Britain's most famous flat race.
- Captured the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Europe's premier middle-distance race, in 2022 with Alpinista.
- Has won five British Classic Races, including three St Legers (2010, 2011, 2021).
- Achieved champion jockey status in Great Britain for the first time in 2022.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in Norwegian, English, and German.
His father, Walter Buick, was also a professional jockey.
He began riding competitively at the age of eight in Norway.
He shared the champion apprentice jockey title in 2008 with David Probert.
“A good jockey feels what the horse is thinking three strides before it happens.”
