Ryan Moore expressed deep gratitude to the "exceptional individuals" who have shaped his illustrious riding career after learning that he will be inducted into 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 occasion, the legendary Aga Khan horse Shergar will also be celebrated with induction. Moore took the opportunity to acknowledge the mentors, family members and trainers 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 am humbled to be named to the British Racing Hall of Fame. Throughout my career I have been privileged to work alongside some truly brilliant people," he said.
"The support of my family was vital when I was just starting out, and I will always remember the confidence Richard Hannon placed in me during those formative years. I am also especially indebted to Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O'Brien, who have given me countless rides and opportunities over the years. To be recognized alongside them and other greats of racing means a great deal to me." Moore's induction makes him the 14th individual to join the Hall of Fame, following 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 own lasting impact on the sport.
The ceremony will also honor Shergar, the 1981 Epsom Derby winner who captured the public's imagination by triumphing by a record‑breaking ten lengths. Shergar followed that victory with wins in 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; he was never seen again, and his disappearance remains one of racing's most heartbreaking stories. Shergar becomes the 14th horse to be inducted, joining a pantheon that features 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 reasoning behind the dual inductions: "The panel reached a unanimous decision that both Shergar and Ryan Moore are fully deserving of entry into the British Racing Hall of Fame. Shergar continues to be one of the most celebrated and iconic horses in the history of British racing, while Ryan's exceptional record and achievements on the racecourse have established him as one of the premier jockeys of his generation." Moore's career trajectory offers a compelling narrative of dedication, talent and strategic partnership. Beginning in the National Hunt sphere, he quickly demonstrated an innate sense of pace and balance, qualities that caught the eye of flat‑racing trainers.
His transition to flat racing was facilitated by the trust placed in him by Richard Hannon, who gave him early rides that showcased his versatility. From there, Moore's alliance with Sir Michael Stoute proved pivotal; under Stoute's tutelage, Moore rode numerous Group One winners, refining his tactical acumen and cementing his reputation for calmness under pressure.
Perhaps the most defining partnership of Moore's career has been with Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle. The Irish trainer has entrusted Moore with some of the most valuable and high‑profile mounts in the world, including multiple Classic victories and international triumphs at events such as the Breeders' Cup and the Dubai World Cup. This collaboration has produced not only a staggering tally of top‑level wins but also a deep mutual respect that has elevated both men to iconic status within the global racing community. Beyond the statistics, Moore is celebrated for his professionalism, humility and relentless work ethic.
Fellow jockeys and trainers frequently cite his meticulous preparation, his ability to read a race from the starting gate to the finish line, and his calm demeanor in the face of intense competition. These attributes have earned him the admiration of peers and the affection of racing fans worldwide. The upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony at Ascot promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together past legends, current champions and the broader racing fraternity to celebrate the sport's rich heritage.
For Moore, the induction is not merely a personal accolade but a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has supported his journey—from his father's early guidance to the trust of top trainers and the unwavering encouragement of his family. As the racing world looks ahead to the ceremony, both Moore and Shergar will be remembered not only for their remarkable achievements on the track but also for the enduring stories they embody: one of a modern jockey who has mastered his craft across continents, and the other of a horse whose brilliance was tragically cut short yet continues to inspire awe. Their simultaneous induction underscores the Hall of Fame's mission to honor both human and equine excellence, ensuring that the legacies of those who have shaped British racing will endure for generations to come.