Ryan Moore has publicly thanked the "brilliant people" who have helped shape his extraordinary riding career after the news broke that he will be inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame. The three‑time champion jockey, whose résumé includes an astonishing 230 Group or Grade One victories, will be formally celebrated at Ascot during the Qatar Racing British Champions Day on 17 October. In a poignant coincidence, the legendary Aga Khan colt Shergar will share the same ceremony, becoming the 14th horse to receive the honour.
Moore took the opportunity to acknowledge the mentors, family members and trainers who guided him from his early days riding jumps for his father, former jockey Gary Moore, to his current status as a globe‑trotting superstar. "I am humbled to be part of the British Racing Hall of Fame," he said.
"Throughout my career I've been incredibly lucky to work with a number of outstanding individuals." He highlighted the crucial role his family played when he was just starting out, noting that their encouragement kept him grounded amid the sport's relentless pressures. He also singled out Richard Hannon, who gave the young Moore a vote of confidence in his formative flat‑racing years, and senior trainers Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien, whose rides on some of the world's most celebrated horses opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed. "Being recognised alongside such legends is a privilege I never imagined," Moore added.
Moore's induction makes him the 14th jockey to join the elite list that already includes icons such as Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery, Frankie Dettori, Willie Carson, Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid Abdullah, Steve Cauthen, Jack Berry and Major Dick Hern. Each of these figures has left an indelible mark on British racing, and Moore's addition underscores his own lasting impact on the sport.
The ceremony will also celebrate Shergar, the 1981 Epsom Derby winner who triumphed by a record‑breaking ten lengths and subsequently added victories in the Irish Derby and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to his résumé. Shergar's career was tragically cut short when he was abducted in February 1983; the horse was never recovered, and his disappearance remains one of racing's most haunting mysteries. His induction follows a distinguished lineage of equine Hall of Famers, including Frankel, Brigadier Gerard, Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Dayjur, Dancing Brave, Galileo, Sea The Stars, Stradivarius, Pebbles, Dubai Millennium, Goldikova and Enable.
Sophie Able, co‑chair of the Hall of Fame selection panel, explained the unanimous decision to honour both Moore and Shergar. "Shergar remains one of the most celebrated and iconic horses in British racing history, while Ryan's outstanding career and achievements in the saddle have established him as one of the great jockeys of his generation," she said. Moore's journey to this pinnacle began in the small town of Malton, North Yorkshire, where he grew up immersed in the racing world.
His father, Gary, was a respected jump jockey, and young Ryan spent countless hours at the stables, learning the nuances of horse handling and race tactics. After an apprenticeship with the Hannon stable, Moore quickly demonstrated a natural feel for flat racing, securing his first Group win at the age of 19. Over the next decade, he forged a reputation for calm composure, precise timing, and an uncanny ability to judge pace—qualities that attracted the attention of leading trainers across Europe and beyond.
His partnership with Sir Michael Stoute proved especially fruitful, delivering classic victories in the 2000 Guineas, the Oaks, and multiple Group One sprints. Meanwhile, his collaboration with Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle gave him access to some of the world's most coveted mounts, resulting in triumphs at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Breeders' Cup, and the Dubai World Cup. Moore's versatility—winning on everything from sprinters to stayers, on turf and synthetic surfaces—has set him apart in an era where specialization is common. Beyond the statistics, Moore is widely respected for his professionalism and humility.
Colleagues note his meticulous preparation, including detailed study of race replays, weather conditions, and even the subtle quirks of each horse he rides. He is also known for his mentorship of younger jockeys, often sharing insights on race strategy and mental resilience. These attributes have helped him maintain a high win rate even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
The Hall of Fame induction not only celebrates Moore's past achievements but also serves as a testament to his ongoing influence on the sport. As racing continues to evolve with advances in technology, training methods, and global competition, Moore's legacy provides a benchmark for excellence and dedication.
His story illustrates how a blend of talent, hard work, supportive relationships, and a touch of good fortune can propel a rider from modest beginnings to the very summit of British racing. When the ceremony at Ascot unfolds, fans and industry insiders alike will reflect on the milestones that have defined Moore's career: his first Classic win aboard Workforce in the 2010 Derby, his record‑equalling five victories in the International Stakes, and his role in guiding horses like Enable, Galileo, and Ghaiyyath to historic triumphs. Each of these moments contributes to a narrative that is as much about personal perseverance as it is about the horses he has ridden.
In the years ahead, Moore has hinted that he may transition into a mentorship or training role, passing on his wealth of knowledge to the next generation. Whether he remains in the saddle or moves behind the scenes, his induction ensures that his name will forever be etched alongside the greats who have shaped British racing history. The upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating not only the achievements of a modern legend but also the enduring spirit of a sport that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Ryan Moore and Shergar, each in their own way, embody the triumph, tragedy, and timeless allure that define horse racing at its finest.