Ryan Moore, widely regarded as the finest jockey of his generation, has been awarded an MBE for his services to racing and British sport in the King's birthday honours list.
Ryan Moore's Illustrious Career
The 42-year-old jockey has ridden more than 2,600 winners in Britain and nearly 3,400 worldwide since his first ride and win in a Towcester handicap hurdle in 2000. His career includes four Epsom Derby victories out of 18 British Classic successes and 221 Group 1 wins globally. He has also ridden 92 winners at Royal Ascot.
Moore notably rode Estimate to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 for the late Queen Elizabeth II, who held him in high regard.
Family Pride
His father Gary, a former jockey and now a trainer alongside Moore's brother Josh, expressed his pride. "It's well deserved and I'm very surprised," Gary told the Press Association. "I know I'm his father, but he does a lot of good things behind the scenes as well as what he does out on the track and this is fantastic. I'm obviously very proud."
Gary added that the late Queen had huge respect for Ryan, and he was amazed by how she spoke about him when they met months before her passing.
Other Honourees
Joining Moore on the honours list is renowned owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing, awarded a CBE for services to charity, animal welfare, horse racing, and bloodstock. Owner of Newmarket's Lanwades Stud, Rausing's green and white silks have been carried to success by dual Champion Stakes heroine Alborada and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista, both trained by Sir Mark Prescott.
Richard Lyttle, former manager of Downpatrick racecourse in Northern Ireland, has also been awarded an MBE.
