Oisin Murphy starts the summer on top of the Flat jockeys' standings, the reigning champion chasing yet another title. The riders behind him have produced some of the season's standout moments, and the race for the championship is nicely poised.
The jockeys' title is decided on winners rather than prize money, so consistency day to day counts as much as the big occasions. Punters backing runners across today's cards tend to follow the in-form riders closely, and the names near the top have already won some of the season's biggest races.
Plenty of people who place horse racing bets keep one eye on the title race as it develops. In this article, we look at the riders setting the pace so far, plus one more making his mark from across the Irish Sea.
Oisin Murphy
Murphy leads the way and is the man to beat once again. A five-time champion, he has the pick of rides across the leading yards, and he underlined his big-race strength with a 10-length Group 1 win on Bay City Roller at Epsom. With that kind of backing, he is well placed to stay in front through the summer.
Rossa Ryan
Rossa Ryan has pushed Murphy hard at the top. The first-choice rider for Ralph Beckett, Ryan reached 1,000 British winners last autumn and has topped 200 in a season more than once. Still chasing a first jockeys' title, he has the volume and the backing to be there at the finish in October.
Billy Loughnane
Billy Loughnane has enjoyed the season of his life. He set a new record in 2025 for the most British winners in a calendar year this century, and this spring he added the big-race wins to match, partnering Bow Echo to win the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket before following up in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Runner-up in the title race last year, he is pushing hard to go one better.
Cieren Fallon
Cieren Fallon, son of six-time champion Kieren Fallon, has kept climbing the ranks. A dual champion apprentice, Cieren rides plenty for William Haggas, and an early-season highlight came when Lake Forest landed the Listed Spring Trophy at Haydock before winning again at the same level at Goodwood. He makes a high share of his chances count and has worked his way into the leading group.
Saffie Osborne
Saffie Osborne has continued her rise towards the top. The daughter of trainer Jamie Osborne, Saffie has built strong ties with the Lambourn yards and is now one of the most in-demand riders in the weighing room. She has become a regular in the bigger races and looks set to keep pushing up the standings.
Dylan Browne McMonagle
Dylan Browne McMonagle. No list of the season's best riders would be complete without him. The reigning Irish champion has been the rider for Joseph O'Brien's biggest days, and 2026 has brought his first British Classic. He produced a last-to-first ride to win the Oaks on Thundering On at Epsom, then struck again at Royal Ascot, getting Limestone up on the line in the Queen's Vase. At 23, Browne McMonagle already has a Breeders' Cup Turf and an Irish title behind him, with plenty more to come.
The jockeys' title is a long campaign, and with the summer festivals and British Champions Day still to come, the order at the top can change quickly. For now, Murphy sets the standard, with a clutch of talented riders ready to take advantage of any slip.