Ryan Moore is not expected to return to horse racing until next year, according to trainer Aidan O’Brien’s recent disclosure. The renowned jockey, who rides for O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable, has been sidelined since early September due to a stress fracture of the femur. Subsequently, Christophe Soumillon was brought in as a replacement rider.
During Moore’s absence, Soumillon has achieved significant success, claiming victories in several prestigious races aboard Ballydoyle horses. Notably, Soumillon secured four Group 1 wins, including the Irish Champion Stakes, Prix Marcel Boussac, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, and the Fillies’ Mile. He also finished a close second in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe riding Minnie Hauk.
This Saturday at Ascot, Soumillon is set to ride in four Group 1 races for O’Brien on Qipco British Champion’s Day. His mounts include Stay True in the Long Distance Cup, Bedtime Story in the Fillies & Mares, The Lion In Winter in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and Delacroix in the Champion Stakes.
It appears that Soumillon will continue in his role, with Wayne Lordan providing support, for the remainder of this year, including the upcoming Breeders’ Cup in November. O’Brien mentioned that Moore has been present at recent fixtures as a spectator and seems to be recovering well.
During a Champions Day media conference, O’Brien expressed optimism about Moore’s progress, indicating that the jockey is on the path to recovery. However, he suggested that Moore is likely to make his comeback in the next year, emphasizing the importance of allowing sufficient time for the injury to heal properly. O’Brien highlighted Moore’s focus on long-term well-being rather than rushing his return to racing.