Toby Moore, an apprentice who works for Charlie Appleby, is the latest from the family dynasty to enter the sport, following in the footsteps of his famous father
Ryan Moore was present to see his teenage son launch his jockey career with a solid third at Kempton on Friday. Toby Moore, 17, an apprentice rider who works for top trainer Charlie Appleby, became the latest member of the Moore family dynasty to enter the sport when he rode in the 4.05 at Kempton Park.
Father Ryan, the world’s number one jockey, is one of three successful jockey sons of trainer Gary Moore. His brothers Jamie and Josh, both now retired from the saddle, were jump jockeys. Their sister Hayley Moore is a presenter for Sky Sports Racing.
Toby Moore made the move to follow in his father’s footsteps when he joined the powerful stable of Godolphin trainer Appleby in Newmarket.
READ MORE: Ryan Moore gives verdict on teenage son Toby’s jockey debut for Godolphin at KemptonREAD MORE: Pioneering female jockey in palliative care after ‘devastating’ brain cancer diagnosis
On Friday Appleby gave him his first chance to ride in a race in public with his debut mount in the Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Fillies’ Novice Stakes over 6f at Kempton Park.
With his father and other members of the family in attendance, he partnered Valdorcia, a once-raced daughter of Oasis Dream who finished third on her only previous start when ridden by William Buick at the same track in September. She carried 7lb less weight than her opponents due to Toby’s apprentice allowance.
Valdorcia, sent off a 7-2 chance, proved tricky to load into the stalls but eventually entered the gate after being fitted with a blindfold.
She broke smartly from the stalls to dispute the early lead before settling in second behind 4-6 favourite Tarot. The more experienced Tarot kicked on in the straight to win by two and a quarter lengths with Valdorcia losing out in a photo for second after a late rally under her young rider.
RacingTV presenter Anthony Dunkley said: “Fair play. That would have been nerve-wracking for anyone. He’s done absolutely nothing wrong.”
Winning jockey Rossa Ryan told RacingTV: “He’s a young lad starting out. He has probably one of the best families around to bed him in properly and you’d imagine he’d come along lovely.
“He’s in the right stable with Charlie Appleby and will probably get loads of experience on good horses. He’s a lovely young fella. I’ve only met him for the first time today, a very nice polite young person.”
Ryan Moore addressed his son’s debut in his World Pool blog and said: “Away from Newmarket, my son Toby has his first ride today (4:05pm, Kempton). He’s ready for it and is very much looking forward to it.
“He’s lucky to have been given a ride by Charlie [Appleby] and hopefully it all goes well and he enjoys it.”