Moore rides in from wilderness
RIDING legend Gary Moore's 11-year wait ended shortly before 5.15 am at Sha Tin yesterday as he emerged from out of the mist and gloom, resplendent in red and white riding gear and perched with the perfect balance of old on the appropriately named Hong Kong Legend.
It was only a light canter around the inside track but for Moore, the former multiple champion jockey, it was the first time he had ridden a horse in the territory since February 1986.
It also signalled to Moore that he is well and truly within touching distance of the ambition which kept him going through those 51/2 years in the racing wilderness when he was disqualified worldwide for betting related offences in the wake of the Shanghai Syndicate scandal. 'It was amazing how many faces I recognised out there, how many of the same people are around as in the old days. The only difference is that they, like me I suppose, look a fair bit older,' said Moore, after he returned to the trainers' stand having ridden work on five horses for his brother, top trainer John Moore.
Moore, 45, has been booked to ride the Malayan Racing Authority's Peak Of Perfection XI in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin next Sunday. The QEII Cup meeting will be Moore's first riding appearance since he bowed out with a treble at Happy Valley all those 11 years ago, and he openly refers to it as the most important moment of an momentous riding career.
'Ever since I was banned it has always been my ambition to be able to return and ride in Hong Kong,' he said. Yesterday Moore also partnered Victory Mount and Excel Kid as well as Win Theatre and Happy Monies. He then took out Super Boy for his old sparring partner and close friend, Tony Cruz.
'Nice and steady and take him all the way back round to the 800-metre marker,' said Cruz, revelling in giving Moore the trackwork instructions. The local press corps flocked around Moore, his wife Barbara, who was there from 5 am despite being eight months' pregnant, and John Moore who pinpointed Excel Kid and Victory Mount as top chances.
'I was particularly impressed by Victory Mount. He's a very relaxed horse, but when you ask him to go he really comes hard on to the bit,' said Gary Moore. 'Excel Kid is very light-mouthed and playful, but he feels as if he has a quality engine.' As well as riding Peak Of Perfection XI and seven for his brother, Moore will partner Lord Ron for Cruz next weekend. This afternoon he competes in the Macau Derby, where he is on the mud-loving Altruistic for his brother-in-law, and Taipa's leading trainer, Peter Leyshan.
'One tomorrow and then two next weekend. Wouldn't that be something special,' reflected Moore as he disappeared to the saddling area to ride work for Cruz with all the enthusiasm of an apprentice on his first day at the track. More racing - Pages 16 & 17