Ryan Moore took a moment to thank the "exceptional individuals" who have helped shape his illustrious riding career after the news broke that he would be enshrined in the British Racing Hall of Fame. The three‑time champion jockey, whose résumé boasts an extraordinary 230 Group or Grade One victories, will be formally celebrated at Ascot during the Qatar Racing British Champions Day on 17 October.
On the same program, the legendary Aga Khan‑owned Shergar will also receive Hall of Fame honours. Moore, who began his professional journey as a jump rider for his father Gary before evolving into a globe‑spanning flat‑racing star, made sure to acknowledge the mentors, family members and trainers who paved his way. "I’m deeply humbled to be added to the British Racing Hall of Fame," he said. "I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with a host of brilliant people throughout my career." He highlighted the crucial role his family played in his early days, noting that their unwavering support gave him the confidence to pursue his ambitions.
He also credited Richard Hannon, who placed early faith in his talent, and expressed particular gratitude to Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien for the rides and opportunities they entrusted to him over the years. "Being mentioned alongside those who have achieved so much in this sport means a great deal to me," Moore added. Moore’s induction makes him the 14th individual to join the Hall of Fame’s elite roster, which already includes icons 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 inclusion underscores his status as one of the modern era’s premier jockeys. The ceremony will also honour Shergar, the 1981 Epsom Derby winner who captured the public’s imagination by winning the race by a record‑breaking ten lengths. Shergar went on to claim the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, cementing his reputation as a middle‑distance powerhouse. Tragically, the horse’s career was cut short when he was abducted in February 1983 and was never seen again, turning him into a poignant symbol of loss in the sport.
Shergar becomes the 14th horse to be inducted, joining the ranks of 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: "Both Shergar and Ryan Moore are undeniably deserving of a place in the British Racing Hall of Fame. 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." Moore’s path to this accolade has been marked by a series of high‑profile victories across the globe. After transitioning from jumps to flat racing, he quickly earned rides on some of the sport’s most valuable horses, delivering wins in marquee events such as the 2,000 Guineas, the Derby, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup Classic.
His partnership with trainer Aidan O'Brien has produced multiple Classic triumphs, while his collaborations with Sir Michael Stoute have yielded memorable performances in both British and international contests. Beyond the statistics, Moore is praised for his tactical intelligence, calm composure under pressure and the ability to extract the maximum from each mount. Colleagues often remark on his meticulous preparation, from studying race patterns to building rapport with each horse during morning workouts. This professionalism has earned him the respect of owners, trainers and fellow jockeys alike, and has contributed to his reputation as a rider who consistently delivers when the stakes are highest.
The upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony promises to be a celebration of both past and present greatness. As fans gather at Ascot, they will not only reflect on Shergar’s dramatic, albeit tragic, story but also applaud Moore’s sustained excellence over two decades of top‑level competition. The event will serve as a reminder that the sport’s heritage is built on the achievements of extraordinary horses and the skillful men and women who guide them.
In the years ahead, Moore is expected to continue adding to his already impressive tally, with several high‑profile mounts already slated for upcoming Classics and Group 1 contests. His induction does not signal an end but rather a milestone in a career that still holds the promise of further historic moments. As he stands alongside the legends of British racing, Moore’s words echo a sentiment shared by many in the industry: success is never a solitary endeavor, and the recognition he now receives is as much a tribute to the mentors, supporters and partners who have walked the journey with him.