Jockey, William Buick, returns empty handed from Mauritius but with cherishing memories
The 2011 Ladbrokes St Leger winning jockey, William Buick, felt lost in this year’s international jockeys’ weekend that was held and celebrated in Mauritius.
He said:
"It's fantastic, I enjoy the camaraderie. I'm the only English guy here this year, but I get on well with the French and Mickael (Barzalona) is a good friend of mine - we live next door to each other.
"This is quite an important meeting in the sense that we all work together back home and it's all business, but here you can come and relax together a bit. We have the team thing going and it's a very healthy competition. And it helps you to stay fit, too, after all it's pretty hot out here!"
2012 was the fourth year that the jockey went for the weekend and it was in 2011 that he ended three rides to the winner’s enclosure. The two years prior to success were not very eventful too.
Even though William Buick was the only English contender, the void was filled by Christophe Soumillon and Mickael Barzalona.
The latter is the retained jockey for the strongest and most wide spread string world wide, Godolphin, and is good friends with William Buick, and the two live next door to each other.
Despite the fact that the English jockey was not really able to bag any considerable prize money or titles, he relished the fact that the week gave them the opportunity to jell in as friends and colleagues. Back home all of them are professional rivals, serving and riding for different stables, owners and trainers.
The warm weather which is not friendly in their own country made the union more relaxing and enjoyable.
His true sportsman’s spirit glowed shinier than ever as he still has faith in coming down again next year and giving the contest a shot. According to him, the horses that he got to race last time were way better than those who became his mount this year.
Even Mickael Barzalona did not seem the happiest when he admitted that he too could not race any winners, but did enjoy the trip with the jockeys who are always dressed in the rival’s colours and are out competing back home.
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