Ryan Moore has described racing in Hong Kong as the most competitive and best run in the world after he was presented with the Longines World’s Best Jockey award at a ceremony Dec. 8.
Moore won the inaugural title in 2014 and was lifting the award for the fourth time in his career as leading riders from across the world gathered in Hong Kong before Sunday’s star-studded international meeting at Sha Tin.
The 40-year-old pinpointed his Derby (G1) win on Auguste Rodin as the highlight of the last 12 months and said competing against the best on the world stage brings him most pleasure.
Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore after winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita Park
“I’ve always wanted to ride the best horses and the best horses are in the best races,” said Moore. “Getting to ride all around the world and compete against everyone else, I suppose, means more.
“Hong Kong has probably driven it more than anyone; the travel and competing horses internationally. The world has got smaller and it’s become easier to do. I’ve kind of fallen into it as that happened.”
The World’s Best Jockey title is based upon performances in the 100 highest-rated group 1 and grade 1 races, with Moore winning eight of the contests listed.
Speaking at a press conference, he heaped praise on how the racing industry is run in Hong Kong and recalled the huge impression his first trip had on him as an 18-year-old.
“I think Hong Kong is probably the most competitive racing in the world,” said Moore, who will ride Luxembourg , Warm Heart , Cairo , and Aesop’s Fables in the international races on Sunday.
“Every race is very hard to win here, the jockeys are great and the way the (Hong Kong Jockey) Club run racing couldn’t be of a higher standard. They run racing as well as anyone could and there’s a lot to be learned from it.”
He added: “I first came here when I was 18, riding and preparing horses for the sales. I remember going racing and the buzz around the parade ring and the way the crowd would be shouting things at Douglas (Whyte) before the race and things.
“I always thought this place at Sha Tin was tough and competitive and you’d see horses win at any prices and you didn’t really know what would happen.
“I remember going to ‘The Valley’ one night and John Egan rode a winner coming from last up the fence. What a special track that was to go and see as a kid. Under the lights, it’s a unique place. Happy Valley is probably as good a place as you could bring anyone racing.”
Moore paid tribute to the teams at Ballydoyle and Coolmore as he collected his trophy and Longines timepiece, and is already looking forward to next season when champion 2-year-old City of Troy will be among a powerful Aidan O’Brien team.
“I’m very fortunate with the people I ride for,” he said. “It’s just the best team and I’m very grateful for the support I get from Coolmore and Ballydoyle. The reality is that without their help I wouldn’t be here. It’s all down to teamwork and I just do the last little bit.”
He added: “City of Troy did things from the first day I rode him that were different to any other horse. I have great belief in him but he’s still got to come out and do it. I don’t like the hype but I think he’s very special and we’re looking forward to what he can do.”
