Renowned jockey Ryan Moore and the legendary racehorse Shergar have been honored with induction into the British Racing Hall of Fame. Their achievements will be officially celebrated with a special presentation at Ascot during Qatar Racing British Champions Day on Saturday, October 17.
Ryan Moore’s illustrious riding career, spanning over 26 years, ranks him among the greatest horsemen in racing history. Beginning as a jumps jockey, Moore quickly found success on his first race under rules, riding Mersey Beat—trained by his father Gary—to victory in a handicap hurdle at Towcester. With more than 3,400 wins to his name, the 43-year-old has built an international reputation with victories in prestigious races such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Japan Cup, Tenno Sho, Hong Kong Cup, Melbourne Cup, and numerous Breeders’ Cup events.
Moore captured the British Champion Apprentice title in 2003 and was Champion Jockey three times between 2006 and 2009. He boasts an impressive 18 British Classic wins, 99 Royal Ascot winners, and has been named Longines World’s Best Jockey on four occasions. His remarkable record includes over 230 Group 1 wins, starting with Notnowcato in 2006 and most recently with True Love at the Prix de la Forêt in Longchamp on October 4.
Numbers alone don’t fully capture the excitement Moore’s rides have brought to fans globally. A standout moment was his 2013 Royal Ascot Gold Cup victory aboard Estimate, the first horse owned by a reigning monarch—Queen Elizabeth II—to win the race. That year, Moore also secured top-level wins across the United States, Japan, Canada, and France, showcasing his versatility and ongoing high demand.
Reflecting on the honor, Moore said, “I’m privileged to be inducted into the British Racing Hall of Fame. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from tremendous support—from my family to early believers like Richard Hannon, and esteemed trainers Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien. Being recognized alongside such outstanding figures in racing is deeply meaningful.”
Moore becomes the 14th person honored in the Hall of Fame, joining legends such as Lester Piggott, Vincent O’Brien, Frankie Dettori, and Sir Michael Stoute.
Shergar, famous almost 50 years after his electrifying performances, has also earned a place in the Hall of Fame this year. Born in 1978 at the Aga Khan IV’s stud in Ireland, Shergar was sent to trainer Michael Stoute in 1979. Though his racing debut came late in 1980, he quickly made his mark with a win at Newbury and a second-place finish in the Futurity Stakes.
Shergar’s three-year-old campaign left an indelible mark on racing history. His dominant 10-length victory in the 1981 Derby at Epsom remains a record, possibly even greater had jockey Walter Swinburn not eased him in the final stages. Following it, Shergar claimed the Irish Derby with Lester Piggott aboard and ended his racing career with a commanding King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes win at Ascot.
After a disappointing St Leger run, Shergar was retired to stud but fathered only one crop before his mysterious 1983 kidnapping and disappearance. Though his vanishing added to his legend, Shergar’s extraordinary talent and unforgettable racing feats continue to captivate racing enthusiasts.
He is the 14th horse inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of icons like Frankel, Nijinsky, Galileo, and Enable.
Sophie Able, Co-Chair of the Hall of Fame Panel, commented, “Our unanimous choice to induct Shergar and Ryan Moore reflects their exceptional contributions to British racing. Shergar’s legendary status and Ryan’s stellar career establish them as true greats. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their legacies at Ascot during British Champions Day.”
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on October 5, 2026.
Fan Take: This induction celebrates both the enduring legacy of a true equine legend and the continued excellence of a living racing hero, reminding fans of the sport’s rich history and promising future. Honoring these icons not only preserves their stories but also inspires the next generation of horse racing enthusiasts.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
