Ryan Moore has been inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame, and he used his acceptance speech to thank the people who built his career from jump jockey to globetrotting superstar.
The 42-year-old will be officially inducted on October 17 at Ascot’s Qatar Racing British Champions Day meeting. The ceremony will also see Shergar inducted into the Hall of Fame on the same day.
Moore’s career includes three champion jockey titles and 230 Group/Grade One winners. He spoke about the support he received from his father Gary, who rode him early in his career, and named Richard Hannon, Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien as mentors who gave him opportunities along the way.
Moore’s Tribute
“I’m honoured to be inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame,” Moore said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with some brilliant people throughout my career.”
He singled out his family’s support when he was starting out, and noted that Richard Hannon had shown “lots of faith” in him early in his career. He also thanked Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien for the opportunities they gave him over the years.
“It means a lot to be recognised alongside them and others who have achieved so much in the sport,” he added.
The Induction List
Moore becomes the 14th person inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame. The previous inductees include:
- 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
- Major Dick Hern
The horse inductees are equally distinguished. Shergar joins Frankel, Brigadier Gerard, Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Dayjur, Dancing Brave, Galileo, Sea The Stars, Stradivarius, Pebbles, Dubai Millennium, Goldikova and Enable.
Shergar won the 1981 Epsom Derby by a record-breaking 10 lengths and followed up in the Irish Derby and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. He was kidnapped in February 1983 and was never seen again.
The Panel Decision
Sophie Able, co-chair of the Hall of Fame panel, confirmed the decision. “It was the unanimous decision of the panel that Shergar and Ryan Moore are both truly deserving inductees to the British Racing Hall of Fame,” she said.
She praised Shergar as “one of the most celebrated and iconic horses in British racing history.” She also said Ryan’s “outstanding career and achievements in the saddle have established him as one of the great jockeys of his generation.”
A Career Built From Scratch
Moore’s path began in jumps racing, riding for his father Gary. He went on to work with Richard Hannon in the early days of his career, and later received opportunities from Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien.
His global reputation grew through wins in major races around the world.
The October Ceremony
The induction ceremony takes place on October 17 at Ascot. Shergar’s induction alongside Moore adds a layer of historical weight to the occasion.
Moore’s inclusion continues that tradition, placing him alongside some of the greatest names in British racing.
The ceremony will bring together fans, peers and industry figures to mark the occasion. For Moore, it is a chance to reflect on a career that has spanned more than two decades at the top level.
What We Make Of It
Moore’s humility is the most striking element of the announcement. He did not talk about his own achievements but about the people who made them possible.
That approach reflects the character of a rider who has always been more interested in the horse than in himself. His gratitude for his father, Hannon, Stoute and O’Brien is genuine, and it adds warmth to an achievement that would otherwise be purely professional.
The induction of Shergar alongside him gives the ceremony real weight. A horse whose life ended in tragedy is now honoured alongside a man whose career has been defined by success.
Moore’s induction is deserved. His 230 Group/Grade One wins speak for themselves, and his three champion jockey titles confirm his status.
The Hall of Fame has a strong track record of recognising excellence. Moore fits that mould perfectly, and his induction is a fitting reward for a career that has brought joy to millions of racing fans.
The ceremony on October 17 will be a celebration of both Moore’s achievements and the sport’s rich history. Shergar’s presence will ensure the day carries a note of reflection as well as triumph.
For now, Moore can enjoy the honour. He has been recognised alongside some of the greatest names in British racing, and his place in the Hall of Fame is secure.
Source material: “Moore inducted into Hall of Fame,” Sky Sports.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.