💣 Emotional scenes! William Buick gave a priceless GIFT to Oisin Murphy after their fierce rivalry at Royal Ascot — His heartfelt message made Murphy break down in front of everyone.
Royal Ascot has always been known for producing moments of high drama, both on and off the track, but nothing could have prepared the racing world for what unfolded after one of the fiercest showdowns of the 2025 festival. In a moment that left the entire paddock in stunned silence, William Buick, the celebrated jockey and a consistent rival of Oisin Murphy, presented his competitor with a priceless gift and delivered a heartfelt message that moved Murphy to tears in front of the world’s media.
For years, the rivalry between Buick and Murphy has dominated headlines, with fans constantly debating who truly deserved to be called the king of flat racing. Their duels have been brutal, their competition relentless, and their mutual respect often hidden beneath layers of fierce professionalism. But what happened at Royal Ascot has changed everything, offering the racing community a rare glimpse of genuine sportsmanship amidst the unforgiving world of elite competition.
The drama began earlier in the day, when Oisin Murphy suffered one of the most heartbreaking defeats of his career. Riding a heavily favored mount in the Queen Anne Stakes, Murphy was leading comfortably heading into the final furlong, only to be overtaken in the last strides by none other than William Buick. The win for Buick was monumental, but it was the heartbreak on Murphy’s face that caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. Social media exploded with messages of support for Murphy, while also praising Buick’s masterclass of tactical riding.
However, what no one expected was what came next. As the celebrations began for Buick’s camp, the Godolphin rider quietly approached Murphy away from the flashing cameras, holding a small velvet box. Moments later, with reporters gathering around sensing something extraordinary, Buick opened the box to reveal an engraved gold watch, bearing a personal inscription: “To the fiercest rival I’ve ever faced — with respect, WB.”
But it wasn’t just the gift that stunned onlookers — it was Buick’s words that followed. “No trophy or title has ever felt as meaningful as riding against you. You’ve pushed me harder, made me sharper, and without you, none of this would mean anything. You deserve as much credit as I do for every success I’ve had.”
Murphy, caught completely off guard by the gesture, tried to compose himself but ultimately broke down, tears streaming as he embraced Buick. The photographers and broadcasters quickly descended, capturing what will surely be one of the defining images of this year’s Royal Ascot: two rivals, locked in an emotional moment of unity, leaving their rivalry behind for just one unforgettable moment.
Fans around the world reacted instantly. “This is why I love racing,” one user posted on X. “Two gladiators on the track, brothers off it.” Others called for the clip to be replayed during every major race for years to come as a reminder of true sportsmanship.
As for the trainers, team owners, and officials around them, even they seemed visibly moved by the unprecedented display of mutual admiration. With Royal Ascot often criticized in recent years for being overly commercialized and sometimes devoid of soul, this moment between Buick and Murphy has reignited the emotional connection that fans crave from sport at the highest level.
While the battles between Buick and Murphy will no doubt continue in the months and years ahead, this extraordinary act of sportsmanship has ensured that their rivalry will forever be remembered not just for its intensity, but for its humanity. In a world driven by trophies and titles, it’s moments like this that remind everyone what true greatness looks like.
