William Buick has spoke of his delight at landing a dream job as stable jockey to top Newmarket trainer John Gosden.

The 21-year-old, who is based at Letcombe Regis, near Wantage, replaces Jimmy Fortune.

It continues his meteoric rise as he only rode his first winner three years ago and was joint champion apprentice in 2008, “It's a dream come true to ride for Mr Gosden. He has some great horses and I can't wait to get started,” said Buick from Dubai, where he is spending the winter and has already ridden winners.

“While I feel bad for Jimmy, it is the opportunity of a lifetime and it is up to me to take that opportunity and make the most of it.”

He added: “I hope to continue to ride for Andrew Balding when I can.

“The whole Balding family have been great to me over the years and I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for their support and encouragement."

Buick has spent his career to date with Balding at Kingsclere, and the trainer revealed his mixed feelings.

“Obviously we are very sad to lose him. He's been a valuable asset to the yard, but I think there's no mistaking it's a good career move for him and we wish him well,” he said.

“He's come a long way in a short time and you don't do that unless you've got a lot of natural talent, which he has.

“He's by no means the finished article, but there's better yet to come.

“From the minute he started riding on the track he was always instinctively making the right decisions and horses run for him – that's the main thing.

“He starting coming to the yard at the age of 15 during the holidays until he finished his education.”

Buick's first winner came at Salisbury in September 2006 and an early big-race triumph came in the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2007 on Dark Missile for Balding.

He landed his first Group 1 victory on Lahaleeb for West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon in the EP Taylor Stakes at Woodbine in October.

Buick's father Walter, a multiple champion jockey in Scandinavia and now race reader for the Press Association, was delighted at the news.

“I've always thought a big job was coming his way, but I never thought it would be this year,” he said.

“It's fantastic, a huge thing for him. When I was riding abroad he was always with me from early on. He knew the racing game before he was 12 years of age.”