Ryan Moore, a Champion Returns: Double Strike and Eyes on Hong Kong

Back from injury, Moore impressed with a pair of victories at Lingfield and now readies for his appearance in the International Jockeys’ Challenge and next week’s Group 1 features at Sha Tin

The Media Surround Ryan Moore After His Triumphant Return/ LINGFIELD

LINGFIELD, England—Ryan Moore’s comeback could hardly have been more effective. On just his second ride back from injury, the British jockey struck with Lazzar (Mehmas) in a 6-furlong novice stakes at Lingfield, and later completed a double when guiding Morrophore (Kingman) to victory in the Winter Oaks Trial. Moore had been out since August after sustaining a stress fracture in his leg, with Christophe Soumillon deputising for him at Ballydoyle, but it took him no time at all to resume his winning ways.

Lazzar, a 3-year-old trained by Richard Hughes, justified strong market support, breaking sharply and fending off Tokyo Joe (Siyouni) by half a length to shed his maiden tag at the tenth attempt.

Moore had nearly taken the opener as well: his mount Sovereign Wealth (Frankel) looked to have matters in control before being collared late by Chale Chalo (Ubettabelieble) in a 7-furlong nursery.

“It’s been a while, so it’s good to be back,” Moore told Sky Sports Racing.

Asked about his upcoming trip to Hong Kong, he added: “We’ve got a few runners there on Sunday, and I’ll be riding at Happy Valley for the International Jockeys’ Challenge on Wednesday, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Carrying topweight, Morrophore gave Moore his second win of the day with a strong finishing run to reel in Frances Ethel (Rafeef). Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the daughter of Kingman was winning for the third time for owner-breeder George Strawbridge.

“It would have been nice to be a bit closer, but we had cover and I was able to get a nice tow,” Moore said. “She’s progressive—a big, scopey filly—and she’ll probably stay a bit further. She was very well-in today and it made the difference.”

Moore is expected to return to the Group 1 stage in ten days’ time at Sha Tin, where he will partner the Aidan O’Brien–Coolmore duo The Lion In Winter (Sea The Stars) in the Hong Kong Mile (G1) and Los Angeles (Camelot) in the Hong Kong Vase (G1).