Ian Williams has achieved remarkable success with the five-year-old horse Loughnane, who he acquired inexpensively from France. Despite initial doubts about Loughnane’s ability to handle the two-mile-two-furlong distance at Newmarket, the horse showed significant improvement this season, winning his eighth race for the yard. Jockey Billy Loughnane praised the horse’s progress and stamina, highlighting a strong finish despite some pre-race challenges. Williams expressed satisfaction with the ride and the horse’s performance, noting that Loughnane had never run this far before but adapted well, helping Williams secure the elusive Cesarewitch trophy.

Looking ahead, Williams is considering campaigning Loughnane as a Cup horse, though the horse’s rating suggests there is still room for development. He mentioned potential future races, including the Red Sea Turf in Saudi Arabia, and emphasized the importance of the horse settling better during races to unlock his full potential across various distances. Williams remains optimistic about Loughnane’s versatility and prospects, acknowledging the strategic gamble taken this season to test the horse’s stamina over longer distances.