World champion jockey Ryan Moore made a triumphant return to the saddle on Wednesday, securing a winner at Lingfield on his first day back after a three-month injury absence.
A Successful Comeback at Lingfield
Ryan Moore had not ridden competitively since August after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the femur. The injury forced him to miss a host of major race meetings, including at least seven Group 1 victories for his primary trainer, Aidan O'Brien.
His comeback at Lingfield saw him finish second on his first ride, Sovereign Wealth, in the Nursery Handicap. However, he swiftly found the winner's enclosure in the very next race. Moore guided the 1-2 favourite Lazzar, trained by his former weighing-room colleague Richard Hughes, to victory in the Novice Stakes.
Missed Opportunities and Hong Kong Focus
The extended layoff meant Moore was absent during a prolific period for the O'Brien stable. Notable wins in his absence included the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, where Christophe Soumillon rode Gstaad to provide O'Brien with his 26th top-level victory of 2025.
Moore's return was strategically timed to regain race sharpness ahead of next week's Hong Kong International Races. O'Brien is set to have two runners there, Los Angeles and The Lion In Winter. Furthermore, Moore has been confirmed as a participant in the International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley on December 10.
Family Interview and Looking Ahead
Following his win on Lazzar, Moore was greeted by his sister, Hayley Moore, who was reporting for Sky Sports Racing. The post-race interview was a characteristically reserved family affair. "Hayley, it’s been a while so it’s good to be back," Moore stated.
When asked about his upcoming trip to Hong Kong, a meeting he has historically enjoyed, Moore replied, "Yeah, we have some runners on Sunday and I will be riding next week in Happy Valley, so looking forward to that." He also confirmed his participation in the International Jockeys Challenge on the Wednesday of that week.
Back in the studio, presenter Alex Hammond quipped about the sibling dynamic, saying, "I’m like that with my brother," highlighting the famously understated nature of the champion jockey's interviews.
