Ryan Moore took a moment to acknowledge the "exceptional individuals" who have been instrumental in shaping his remarkable journey in horse racing after the announcement that he would be welcomed into the British Racing Hall of Fame. The three‑time champion jockey, whose résumé boasts an extraordinary 230 Group and Grade One victories, will be formally celebrated at Ascot during Qatar Racing’s British Champions Day on 17 October.
In a poignant pairing, the legendary Aga Khan‑owned Shergar will share the same induction ceremony. Moore, who began his career riding jumps for his father Gary before evolving into a globe‑spanning flat‑racing star, was eager to name the mentors, supporters and collaborators who helped him climb from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of the sport. "I feel privileged to be added to the British Racing Hall of Fame," he said. "Throughout my career I've been lucky enough to work with some truly brilliant people." He highlighted the foundational role his family played, noting that their encouragement was vital during the early, uncertain days of his apprenticeship.
"My family's support was so important when I was starting out, and Richard Hannon showed lots of faith in me in the early days as well. I'm also particularly grateful to Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien for the opportunities they've given me over the years. It means a lot to be recognised alongside them and others who have achieved so much in the sport," Moore added.
The induction makes Moore the 14th individual to be honoured in the Hall of Fame, joining an elite roster that includes legends such as Lester Piggott, Vincent O'Brien, Pat Eddery, Queen Elizabeth II, Frankie Dettori, Willie Carson, Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid Abdullah, Steve Cauthen, Aidan O'Brien, Jack Berry and Major Dick Hern. Each of these figures has left an indelible mark on British racing, and Moore's addition underscores his status as one of the modern era's most successful and respected jockeys.
The ceremony will also celebrate Shergar, the 1981 Epsom Derby winner who captured the public's imagination by winning the race by a record‑breaking ten lengths and then adding victories in the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Sherdar's tragic disappearance after being abducted in February 1983 remains one of the sport's most haunting stories. The horse, never recovered, becomes the 14th equine inductee, following in the footsteps of other iconic runners such as 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 career trajectory is a study in perseverance, talent and strategic partnership.
After his initial foray into National Hunt racing under his father's tutelage, he transitioned to flat racing, quickly catching the eye of trainer Richard Hannon. Hannon's early confidence allowed Moore to secure rides on promising horses, setting the stage for a series of high‑profile wins.
His breakthrough came when he partnered with Sir Michael Stoute, a trainer renowned for nurturing top‑class talent. Under Stoute's guidance, Moore rode several Group 1 winners, cementing his reputation as a rider capable of delivering under pressure. The relationship with Aidan O'Brien, the Irish trainer who commands a global stable of elite horses, further amplified Moore's profile. Together they claimed numerous victories in prestigious events such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Breeders' Cup, and the Dubai World Cup.
These collaborations not only added to Moore's tally of major wins but also demonstrated his adaptability across different racing jurisdictions, surfaces and distances. Beyond the statistics, Moore is praised for his tactical acumen, calm demeanor in the saddle, and an uncanny ability to judge pace. Jockeys, trainers and commentators often cite his smooth riding style and his capacity to extract a horse's maximum potential in the final stages of a race. Such qualities have earned him the respect of peers and the admiration of racing fans worldwide.
The Hall of Fame induction is more than a personal accolade; it symbolizes the culmination of a career built on teamwork, dedication and a deep love for the sport. Moore's acknowledgment of his family's early support, the trust placed in him by Hannon, Stoute and O'Brien, and the broader racing community reflects the collaborative nature of success in horse racing. As he stands alongside legends like Lester Piggott and Frankie Dettori, Moore joins a lineage that defines the very essence of British flat racing excellence. Looking ahead, Moore remains focused on future challenges, emphasizing that the honor does not mark an endpoint but rather a milestone in an ongoing journey.
He expressed a desire to continue riding at the highest level, mentoring younger riders, and contributing to the sport's growth. His induction, paired with Shergar's remembrance, offers a poignant reminder of both triumph and tragedy in racing history, reinforcing the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the sport's narrative. The upcoming ceremony at Ascot promises to be a celebration of heritage, achievement and the timeless bond between horse and rider.
As fans, industry professionals and the wider public gather to witness the formal recognition, Moore's words serve as a testament to the collective effort required to reach such heights. In honoring both a living legend and a horse whose story still resonates decades later, the British Racing Hall of Fame reaffirms its role as the custodian of the sport's most treasured memories and its champions.