Ryan Moore could be back in the saddle sooner than expected after surprise invite - The Mirror

The world’s number one jockey, out of action since September, has been included on the provisional list of riders for the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship in Hong Kong

Ryan Moore could be back in the saddle before the end of the year after he was invited to take part in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship in Hong Kong. The world’s number one jockey has been sidelined since the start of September after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the femur.

Moore has missed a series of big race meetings with Christophe Soumillon plundering a host of Group 1 successes for Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable in his absence. The Belgian added the trainer’s 26th top level victory of 2025 on Gstaad in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last weekend.

In his most recent comments about Moore’s potential return, O’Brien said: “I would imagine it will be next year. I can’t see any different.

“Ryan will tell you more, but the injury that he had he is going to have to give it time and obviously I know Ryan will be thinking long term rather than short term.”

But the duo could be back in harness sooner than expected after Moore was included among the world's top jockeys invited to participate in the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club event at Happy Valley on December 10.

If recovered in time Moore would also be available to ride the O’Brien-trained The Lion In Winter who is a potential runner in the Hong Kong Mile four days later.

Moore is listed alongside Zac Purton, Mickael Barzalona, Joao Moreira and Christophe Lemaire.

The HKJC said: “Ryan Moore’s participation in this year’s edition will be subject to Moore’s final confirmation given that the two-time Longines IJC champion is recovering from a leg injury.”

Also in the line-up, which pays a first prize of £60,000 to the top rider, are James McDonald, William Buick, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King and Umberto Rispoli.

Andrew Harding, HKJC executive director, racing, said: “The Longines International Jockeys’ Championship is the world’s most coveted such competition and this year we have one of the strongest jockey line-ups in recent years, featuring James McDonald, Mickael Barzalona, Ryan Moore and William Buick – who currently fill top four in the Longines World’s Best Jockey standings, and between them this year they have won a string of the world’s leading Group 1 contests.

“The line-up will be boosted, of course, by the inclusion of two-time Longines IJC champion Ryan Moore, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that he recovers sufficiently to be able to participate.”