In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the horse racing world, champion jockey Ryan Moore has been sidelined by a serious injury following a fall at the Curragh on Sunday.
The incident occurred when his mount, Port Fairy, stumbled and unseated him during the closing stages of the Gallinule Stakes. Moore was immediately taken to hospital for assessment, with initial reports confirming the leading rider sustained a suspected broken collarbone.
This development deals a crushing blow to master trainer Aidan O'Brien, for whom Moore is the stable's first-choice jockey. The timing could hardly be worse, with the Epsom Derby—the jewel in the crown of the British flat racing season—looming this weekend.
O'Brien confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, "Ryan is sore and has gone for X-rays on his collarbone and his shoulder. It doesn't look good for the weekend, I'm afraid."
The injury throws O'Brien's Derby plans into disarray, particularly for the highly-touted candidate, City Of Troy. Moore was the undisputed pilot for the colt, who is aiming to redeem himself after a disappointing run in the 2000 Guineas. O'Brien admitted, "It's a massive blow. Ryan knows the horse inside out."
Attention now turns to who will take the coveted ride on the favourite. With Moore almost certainly out of contention, the Ballydoyle team must quickly appoint a replacement jockey, a decision that could make or break their Derby aspirations.
This setback overshadows what was a successful day for O'Brien otherwise, with his horse Illinois securing a victory in the same race Moore fell from. The racing community now awaits further medical updates, hoping for a swift recovery for the sport's premier jockey.
