Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE for services to racing and British sport in the King’s Birthday Honors list.
Moore, who won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot aboard Estimate for Queen Elizabeth II in 2013, is widely regarded as the greatest jockey of his generation, having amassed 92 wins at Royal meetings as well as partnering 18 British Classic winners, including four Derby scorers.
His father Gary, a former jockey who now works as a trainer with his other son Josh, told the Press Association: “He deserves it and I’m very surprised. I know I’m his father, but he’s doing a lot of good things behind the scenes as well as what he’s doing off the track, which is fantastic. I’m obviously very proud.”
“I know the (late) Queen was very fond of him and she had great respect for Ryan. I was lucky enough to meet her a few months before she passed away and was amazed by the way she spoke of him.
“I think Ryan is proud on the inside, even if he won’t show it. I think he’ll be more shocked than anything. This is another great moment in his career.”
Joining Moore on the honors list is renowned owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing. He was awarded the CBE for services to charity and animal welfare as well as horse racing and blood breeding.
Owner of Newmarket’s Lanwades Stud, Rausing’s green and white silks are a common sight on the racecourse and have been achieved notable successes by dual Champion Stakes heroine Alborada and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista, both trained by Sir Mark Prescott.
Richard Lyttle, former manager of Downpatrick Racecourse in Northern Ireland, also received an MBE.
