🔥 THIS IS WAR: William Buick PUBLICLY declares war on Oisin Murphy ahead of Gold Cup – “This is not just a race, it is for the FUTURE of Horse Racing!”
Royal Ascot 2025 has been a festival of unforgettable moments, but nothing compares to the fiery drama that has erupted between two of the sport’s biggest stars. In an unprecedented move, William Buick has gone public with an explosive declaration against rival jockey Oisin Murphy, turning the upcoming Gold Cup into more than just a prestigious race—it’s now a full-scale battle for dominance, pride, and, according to Buick himself, “the very future of horse racing.”
The shock announcement came during an unscheduled media appearance just hours after Buick guided Ombudsman to a devastating victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The Godolphin stable jockey, visibly fired up and speaking with unusual directness, took aim at Murphy with brutal precision. “I’m sick of the politics, the games behind the scenes, and the false respect,” Buick said. “This is not just a race anymore. This is personal. This is war.”
This declaration didn’t come out of nowhere. Tensions between Buick and Murphy have been simmering beneath the surface for months, but they truly boiled over after the chaos of the Royal Hunt Cup. Murphy, riding Greek Order, was seen throwing accusatory glances toward Buick in the aftermath of interference during that frantic final furlong. No formal inquiry was launched, but the undercurrent of mistrust between the two became the talk of the paddock.
And now, with the Gold Cup looming large, this simmering rivalry has burst into open conflict. Both jockeys will line up with serious claims: Buick will be aboard Godolphin’s superstar stayers, including hot favorite Coltrane, while Murphy partners with the progressive and dangerous Coltrane challenger, Trueshan. Their head-to-head clash is no longer just a sporting contest—it’s personal.
For racing fans, this declaration of war has electrified the build-up to the Gold Cup in a way that hasn’t been seen for decades. Comment sections, forums, and social media feeds are ablaze with debate. Who’s in the right? Is Buick standing up against a behind-the-scenes clique led by Murphy, or is this just calculated mind games from the Godolphin camp? Either way, this is exactly the kind of high-stakes drama that draws casual fans into the intricate world of top-level flat racing.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that both jockeys have massive fanbases on opposite sides of the Atlantic. American punters, who’ve always respected Buick’s Godolphin connection, are quickly picking sides. Murphy’s supporters see him as the charismatic rebel, the man who’s fought his way back from personal setbacks to reclaim his position at the top. Now, with Ascot’s biggest staying race on the line, the battleground has been drawn for all to see.
Trainers and insiders have been quick to weigh in. Legendary trainer John Gosden offered a measured take, saying, “It’s rare you see this level of open hostility in British racing, but these are two fierce competitors. The Gold Cup was already prestigious, but now it’s become an all-out war.”
Behind the theatrics lies one undeniable truth: both Buick and Murphy know that winning this race could define their careers for years to come. The Gold Cup is no ordinary trophy—it’s a symbol of staying power, both on the track and within the hierarchy of elite jockeys.
As we count down the hours to the big race, one thing is absolutely clear—Royal Ascot 2025 is no longer just about tradition, fashion, or prestige. Thanks to William Buick’s declaration, it’s about blood, pride, and the fight for the future of horse racing itself. This isn’t just competition anymore. This is war.
