Toby Moore takes third place on Kempton riding debut

Toby Moore, the son of Ballydoyle number one and multiple champion jockey Ryan, made a promising start to his riding career as he finished third at Kempton aboard Valdorcia.

The 17-year-old, who has plenty of experience on the pony racing circuit and frequently lined up in the Shetland Pony Grand National races at the London International Horse Show, is the latest member of the Moore family to attempt to make his name in the professional ranks after his illustrious father and uncles Jamie and Josh.

Having been part of trainer Charlie Appleby’s team since last winter and experienced riding work alongside not only his father but the likes of Kieren Fallon, William Buick and Billy Loughnane, he was handed his first professional ride by the Moulton Paddocks handler, donning the famous Godolphin silks aboard the 7-2 chance in the Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

Moore may have been a touch disappointed to return in third place aboard the daughter of Oasis Dream, but Appleby was delighted with his ride and hopes he enjoyed his first taste of the spotlight while suggesting more opportunities could follow.

Speaking at Newmarket, Appleby said: “Toby gave her a great ride, I was delighted with that. He popped out, got a nice box seat, travelled into the straight and did everything we asked him to do.

“Hopefully he will have enjoyed the experience and more importantly gained from the experience and it won’t be long until we pop him back in the irons.

“It was always going to be a high-profile ride wherever he went and he’s done nothing wrong on that filly there. He kept it simple, gave her a couple of smacks and then put his hands down and looked nice and tidy, so I would hope Ryan and (mother) Michelle will be happy and very proud of him.

“I think Ryan went with him, so he would have got plenty of experience as well on the way down and it won’t be long until we have him back in the irons.”