Buick Notches 200 Winners for the Year in Britain

Champion jockey William Buick reached 200 winners in a calendar year in Britain for the first time when partnering Zealot to victory in the opening mile handicap.

The 4-year-old, who is trained by Mick Appleby and was sent off the 1-2 favorite, finished a neck clear of Daafy as Buick reached the landmark figure for the first time in his career.

Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, Buick said: "I said to Tony (Hind), my agent, six weeks ago when we had 31 winners to go whether we should try for it.

"It was in reach, but like everything things didn't go to plan early on but here we are today. It's great and I've had a lot of support, so thanks to everyone.

"Charlie Appleby and Godolphin have had an amazing year too, so long may it continue."

Buick's ride was near perfection after Zealot broke from the stalls slowly. He urged his mount in the straight to squeeze up the gap on the far rail and he had a willing partner as he got up by a neck.

It brought up a hat-trick for Zealot who was winning over course and distance for the second time in seven days and recording a third win in four starts since joining the Appleby yard from Eve Johnson Houghton.