Ryan Moore expressed deep gratitude to the "brilliant people" who have helped shape his illustrious riding career after the announcement that he would be enshrined in the British Racing Hall of Fame. The three‑time champion jockey, whose résumé boasts an extraordinary 230 Group/Grade One victories, will receive the honor during a formal ceremony at Ascot on Qatar Racing British Champions Day, scheduled for 17 October.
On the same afternoon, the legendary Aga Khan‑owned horse Shergar will also be inducted, linking the achievements of a modern jockey with the storied legacy of a historic thoroughbred. Moore took the opportunity to acknowledge the individuals who have guided him from his early days as a jump rider for his father, Gary Moore, to his current status as a globe‑trotting star of the sport. "I’m humbled to be named to the British Racing Hall of Fame," he said.
"Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some truly remarkable people." He highlighted the vital role his family played during his formative years, noting that their encouragement provided the foundation for his later successes. He also singled out trainer Richard Hannon, who placed early confidence in Moore’s abilities, and expressed particular thanks to Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien for the high‑profile rides they entrusted to him over the years. "Being recognised alongside those who have made such a lasting impact on racing means a great deal to me," Moore added.
"It’s an honor to share this platform with the greats who have come before and with the champions of today." His induction will make him the 14th jockey to join the Hall of Fame, following an elite list that includes legends such as Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery, Frankie Dettori, Willie Carson, Sir Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute, Prince Khalid Abdullah, Steve Cauthen, Aidan O'Brien, Jack Berry and Major Dick Hern. The ceremony will also celebrate Shergar, the 1981 Epsom Derby winner who captured the public’s imagination by winning by a record‑breaking ten lengths and then adding victories in the Irish Derby and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. Sherdar’s career was tragically cut short when he was kidnapped in February 1983 and never recovered, a loss that still resonates within the racing community. His induction marks him as the 14th horse to be honored, joining an illustrious roster that includes 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, commented on the dual inductions, stating, "The panel reached a unanimous decision that both Shergar and Ryan Moore are fully 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 exceptional record and contributions on the racecourse have established him as one of the leading jockeys of his generation." Moore’s career trajectory illustrates the evolution of a modern jockey who has successfully navigated the sport’s traditional roots and its increasingly global landscape. Beginning on the jumps, he transitioned to flat racing under the tutelage of his father, learning the fundamentals of balance, timing and racecraft. His early partnership with trainer Richard Hannon opened doors to high‑profile flat races, where his natural talent quickly became evident.
A breakthrough came when he secured his first Group One win, a moment that signaled his arrival on the elite stage. Over the ensuing years, Moore forged enduring relationships with some of the world’s most respected trainers, most notably Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien. These collaborations yielded a string of classic victories across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, the United Arab Emirates and beyond. His skill in navigating different racing styles—from the fast‑paced sprints of British sprinting to the stamina‑testing middle distances of European classics—demonstrated a versatility that few jockeys possess.
Beyond the statistics, Moore is celebrated for his calm demeanor, tactical intelligence and the ability to extract the maximum from a horse while maintaining a gentle partnership. Peers and trainers often cite his meticulous preparation, including detailed study of race patterns, horse form and track conditions, as a key factor in his consistent success.
His professionalism extends off the track as well; he is known for his advocacy of rider safety, involvement in mentorship programs for aspiring jockeys, and commitment to charitable causes linked to the racing industry. The Hall of Fame induction not only cements Moore’s place among the sport’s greats but also serves as a testament to the collaborative nature of horse racing.
It underscores how a jockey’s achievements are intertwined with the support of family, trainers, owners and the broader racing community. As Moore prepares to stand on the Ascot stage alongside Shergar, he embodies both the rich heritage and the forward‑looking spirit of British racing, reminding fans and fellow professionals alike that excellence in the saddle is built on talent, hard work, and the unwavering encouragement of those who believe in you.