World Jockey Series Shelved: Elite Riders Express Disappointment
One of horse racing's most prominent jockeys has voiced his profound disappointment following the shelving of a proposed new world jockey series. The ambitious global league, which boasted a total prize fund of £11 million, has been mothballed indefinitely despite securing commitments from a dozen of the sport's elite riders.
Elite Roster and Grand Ambitions
The series had successfully signed up a stellar lineup of international racing icons. This included British champions Ryan Moore and William Buick, Australian star James McDonald, the legendary Frankie Dettori—who has since retired—and Japan's superstar Yutaka Take. The complete roster also featured Zac Purton, Irad Ortiz, Joao Moreira, Christophe Lemaire, Mickael Barzalona, Flavien Prat, and Vincent Ho.
These twelve foundation jockeys were not merely participants; they were to have a stake in the business and the ability to secure sponsorships for their individual franchises. The competitive format was designed to crown a champion, with the jockey accumulating the most points at the series' conclusion set to collect a staggering £5 million prize.
Global Vision to Attract New Fans
The league's vision was expansive. Events were meticulously planned around major race meetings across the globe, including fixtures in Britain, Australia, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. The inaugural launch was scheduled for 2026.
When the series was announced, ex-Godolphin CEO John Ferguson, who co-founded the venture with former Entain executive Lachlan Fitt, articulated its core mission to News Corp. "Now is the time to highlight racing's global icons, the jockeys, and show the world what incredible athletes they are," Ferguson stated. "Through this league, we will put those icons in the spotlight, attracting new fans while offering exclusive, behind-the-scenes content to deepen engagement with the millions and millions of existing racing enthusiasts."
The retired Frankie Dettori had previously expressed his excitement about the project. "It's a project they have been working on for a few months and I am super excited," Dettori said. "It will appeal to a worldwide audience - especially after the 'Race For The Crown' Netflix series - and I can't wait to get started."
Logistical Hurdles Lead to Postponement
Despite the high-profile backing and detailed planning, News Corp has now reported that the series has been "mothballed, with many reasons cited including competing priorities and logistical hassles." This decision represents a significant setback for the global promotion of jockeys as standalone sporting celebrities.
The disappointment is palpable among the riders. Japan's Yutaka Take, a national icon, confirmed the news to tospo-keiba.jp. "I was informed that it cannot be held this year. However, I have heard that they are working to make it happen in the future. It's very unfortunate," he said, reflecting the sentiment shared by his fellow elite competitors who had eagerly anticipated the groundbreaking series.
