British superstar Ryan Moore weaved his magic to secure his third International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) in a thrilling finale at Happy Valley last night.
Moore may have only returned from injury last week, but that didn’t stop him from guiding Corleone and Triumphant More to success at a packed-out Happy Valley to land his first IJC in 15 years.
“I’m very fortunate to have been coming back here for so many years and it’s a long time since I last won it,” Moore, who won the IJC in 2009 and 2010, said. “I was fortunate that I had two very good rides today and it worked out nicely for me.”
After William Buick celebrated his first winner at Happy Valley with victory in the first race of the four-leg contest aboard Bunta Baby, Moore got in the act in the second leg over 1,650m on Corleone.
Moore jumped sharply aboard the Caspar Fownes-trained Corleone, who started the 1.85 favorite, and proceeded to dictate proceedings from the front. The British rider continued to urge his mount home and just did enough to hold on from a fast-finishing Ace War under Rachel King.
“He tried very hard,” Moore said after the success. “He looked to have obvious, outstanding claims really and he was well drawn.
“He was a little bit lazy at times but he kept putting up plenty in the straight.”
Corleone’s success marked the third win of the evening for Caspar Fownes, who repeatedly cried “go Ryan” for the duration of the straight to urge his runner home.
Corleone leads into the final stages of the second leg of the International Jockeys' Championship. Singtao
Hugh Bowman then threw his hat in the ring in the third leg, winning aboard the David Eustace-trained Silvery Breeze, to leave four riders tied on 12 points heading into the fourth and final leg.
Four races make up the IJC, with 12 points awarded to the rider finishing first in each leg, while there are six for second and four for third.
With a host of riders in with a chance in the third and final leg, it was Moore who produced a pinpoint perfect ride from the rear of the field aboard 23.6 chance Triumphant More.
“I’m thankful to be coming back here and I had the luck tonight,” Moore added. “He quickened well and showed a good turn of foot.”
