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Moore's confident he can be a winner on and off the track
John O'Hara18 Mar 2009
Champion jockey Ryan Moore has admitted that he was hurt by "unfounded" criticism he received last year, but is determined to make more of an effort with his detractors this season.
Moore, who returns to action in England at Kempton tonight having ridden in Dubai during the winter, prefers to stay out of the spotlight which has brought him adverse publicity over his supposedly dour image.
But the single-minded 25-year-old hit back by defending his approach. "They said some harsh things which I can live with but when they were criticising my riding that hurt as most of it was unfounded," said Moore. "I'll make an effort to try and talk to the press more."
While Moore, who first won his jockeys' championship in 2006 is no Frankie Dettori in the celebration stakes, his main focus is on retaining his hard-earned crown.
The keen Arsenal supporter, who became a father for the first time last year, has returned from a working holiday in Dubai refreshed and determined to win title No3.
He said: "My son Toby was born in July and I didn't slow down then. I love being champion and have no intention of losing it."
In 2008, Moore had over a 1,000 rides in regaining the title and is ready to do it all over again. He said: "I know I travel a lot but when you are riding winners it doesn't matter."
Moore has one ride tonight on Richard Hannon's Sohcahtoa in the Kentucky Derby Challenge - the race which guarantees the winner a place in the "Run For The Roses" at Churchill Downs on 2 May - and believes a repetition of the colt's best form would see him go close.
However, before Moore has his first turf ride back in this country a week on Saturday, he heads back to Dubai for the World Cup meeting next week where will partner two live contenders for trainer Luca Cumani.
"I ride Purple Moon in the Sheema Classic and his work has been encouraging. My other big hope is Presvis in the Dubai Duty Free and, although it's quite a leap from handicaps to Group 1s, he has the talent."
Moore's ace for this season is Sir Michael Stoute's Conduit, who he rode to Breeders' Cup Turf success at Santa Anita last year.
He added: "His form was of such a level that if he improves he will be exceptional."
And with Stoute's promising three-year-olds Evasive, Glass Harmonium, Leocorno and Zacinto set to challenge for major honours, the champion has plenty to look forward to.
Reader views (1)
A champion jock who isn't keen on the press, now theres a thought!, but surely its not that important to the media is it!.
Surely its more important that we aknowledge raw talent when it arrives, as unlike motor racing where money rules, this is the sport of kings, where 'who you are' rules, fine wines and sumptous meals, all of which a jockey seldom gets to enjoy, so maybe the shyness of this talented person has to be taken into concideration, and not knocked from pillar to post for the pleasure of litery fanatics who wait in the wings, with pens at the ready.
Ryan Moore!, that name rings a bell!, isn't that that famous jockey who had the best timing since Scobie Breasley, they will say in 40years time.
Breasley would look to be well beaten at the furlong pole, then whoosh, he would do that very special thing and the horse would just start to fly, short head, neck, nose, a whisker, but which ever way you look at it, being infront makes you the winner.
So before all you critics steam in and put this chap down again, go get your weight down to 8 stone, show some exquisite raw talent and understanding, go find a horse, any horse will do, as long as its alive and kicking, and just try to be as good as Ryan Moore is, because trying is about all you will do.
We've waited for a home grown somebody like this for ages to come along, the nearest we got was Steve Cauthern and Walter Swinburn, but to be very honest, this chaps miles ahead of them, as he's not one to ever give in!..
- The Roving Rabbi, London, 27/05/2009 12:16
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