Billy Loughnane will be crowned champion jockey for the first time at Ascot on British Champions Day on Saturday, and his fellow riders have been quick to praise the 20-year-old's outstanding season

Five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy has paid tribute to his successor Billy Loughnane, describing the new title holder's season as "outstanding".

The 20 year old will be presented with the trophy at a ceremony during Qatar Racing British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday, with Murphy acknowledging that Loughnane is a deserving winner of a championship previously held by racing's finest.

"I've tried to keep him honest, but I think he's been pretty comfortable of late and in the end has held quite a good lead," Murphy said.

"He's got tremendous discipline and work ethic and his results have been outstanding.

"I get on very well with him and I'm delighted to see his success, he's just younger and better looking!".

James Doyle praised Loughnane as a "delight" to share the weighing room with throughout the season.

"I think any young aspiring jockey should take note of what he has done," said Wathnan Racing's number one.

"He seems to ask all the right questions, he handles himself off the track very well.

"He is a gentleman to ride against, very tough but fair and he is doing great things. He will be a worthy champion who has been brilliant this year and a delight to share the weighing room with."

Rossa Ryan, set to finish third in the championship race behind Loughnane and Murphy, echoed the sentiment of admiration.

"Credit where credit is due, Billy is very young and to win a championship in the manner he has is nothing but exceptional," said the Arc-winning rider.

"He's very determined and I have to take my hat off to him. The key to winning a championship is riding winners when you might not be at your best. The days when you are not feeling it and you (still) get on the scoresheet is a big thing, he's been so consistent.

"Obviously Bow Echo was massive for him this year and will have given him so much confidence. To be fair to him the pressure was on, maybe not so much in the Guineas, but Ascot and Goodwood, in the Sussex, he showed he learned from his mistakes. He's willing to learn."

While Classic hero Bow Echo delivered three of the most memorable moments in Loughnane's maiden championship-winning campaign, there have been other significant triumphs.

Loughnane secured the July Cup and Flying Five, both Group One races, riding Donnacha O'Brien's Comanche Brave, alongside the Albany and Lowther Stakes aboard George Boughey's Libertango.

He's also claimed the Champagne Stakes and the Bengough Stakes for Godolphin, riding Desert Castle and Hidden Force respectively.

His achievements haven't gone unnoticed by Aidan O'Brien either.

"He's an incredible rider. I remember Joseph and Donnacha riding at that age and it's tough," said the master of Ballydoyle.

"Billy is doing unbelievable and he's ridden a couple of Group One winners for Donnacha. We wish him the very best, he's a great rider and a great credit to himself and his mum and dad, everybody.

"We know how tough it is – it's probably one of the toughest jobs of all. He's doing a great job and we look forward to watching him."