William Buick’s bid to notch back-to-back British Champion Flat Jockey titles took a boost on Monday evening when he bagged a 163-1 four-timer at Windsor.
The Norwegian-born rider moved three clear of 2021 champion Oisin Murphy in his bid to retain his crown.
The 34-year-old kicked things off with a ride that any champion would be proud of as he galvanised Andrew Balding's Estate to lead under the shadows of the post in the opener.
Things didn't get any more straightforward for the champ in the second as his mount Band Of Joy was unruly going to post.
However, William Buick showed his class once more and steered the George Boughey-trained juvenile to a half-length success.
Charlie Hills' Tanmawwy had been well-backed throughout the course of the day to land the feature Fitzdares Sprint Series Handicap and Buick barely had a moment to worry as the lightly raced five-year-old produced a comfortable one-and-a-half length success.
It was that combination of Buick and Boughey that combined again to give him his fourth victory on the night as Absolute Queen dug deep to repel a late challenge in the Class 5 handicap at 7.15.
Speaking with Sky Sports Racing's Matt Chapman following success on Absolute Queen, Buick said: "It's all split-second decisions. Obviously, you do all your work beforehand, you talk to your trainers, or your owners and you make a plan but sometimes that plan never happens, and you have to go to plan B and that is experience and instinct. It's always great when it works out, so we'll leave it at that!"
Although clearly riding at the top of his game Buick was quick to point out there are always areas for improvement.
He added: "I think in this game you can always improve. I think you always see different things and people do something different and there's always young jockeys coming through."
"You need to always have that mindset that you want to improve."
"I'm fortunate enough to ride around the world and you see different aspects of things. Of jockeys, of racing and that is really fascinating."
"I'm really enjoying myself; I'm loving it, I'm privileged and long may it continue."
