Members of the equestrian community who have gone above and beyond in their sectors have been recognised in the The King’s Birthday Honours list.

A riding school yard manager, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) volunteers and a top jockey are among those named in the honours, which “mark the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK”.

Tower Farm Riding School yard manager Debbie Henderson was appointed MBE for services to equestrianism and the community of Edinburgh and the south of Scotland.

Debbie grew up riding at Tower Farm, Edinburgh, then went to work at the Royal Mews in London as a groom. She returned to work at Tower Farm in 1987 and has been there since, teaching generations to ride.

Debbie and Tower Farm are involved in a variety of parades, including the People’s Procession, the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, providing horses for the Army and members of the royal family to ride.

Debbie, who was nominated by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, told H&H the MBE “is something you never expect”.

“I had no idea I’d been put forward,” she said. “Horses are such nice characters and I just enjoy helping people to enjoy them. From the little four-year-olds coming for their weekly fix to teaching the Lord Provost, to see them all enjoying it, it’s been amazing.”

RDA volunteer Doug Smith and South Bucks RDA group chair Di Redfern were appointed MBEs for services to disabled riders.

Doug is a former mounted police officer but his career was cut short by a double spinal fracture in 1995. He has since dedicated more than 35 years to the RDA; playing “a key role in shaping” the charity’s national championships, contributing to national steering groups and championing equine welfare.

“To receive this award for doing something I love, and that is also so worthwhile, is an absolute privilege,” said Doug, who is also a big supporter of para equestrian sport.

“RDA was my salvation after my accident, and I have found great purpose in giving back, sharing what is possible and helping others discover what they can achieve.”

Di has volunteered with the RDA since the 1960s. She has made a “lasting contribution” to the South Bucks group and wider RDA movement alongside significant contribution to the development of para equestrian sport. Her work has focused on ensuring disabled people can access the “highest quality coaching and support, carefully tailored to their individual needs”.

“I am honoured to receive an MBE and would like to thank everyone associated with South Bucks RDA and RDA UK. The work we do is a true team effort,” she said.

RDA UK chief executive Michael Bishop said the charity is delighted to see the “outstanding” recognitions and that Doug and Di’s commitment to the RDA has made a “lasting difference to disabled people”.

“We offer our warmest congratulations,” he said.

Ryan Moore appointed MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours list

Three-time British champion Flat jockey Ryan Moore was appointed MBE for services to racing and British sport. Trainer Aidan O’Brien told At The Races “nobody deserves it more”.

“It’s very special. I’m delighted for him and all his family,” said Aidan.

Lanwades Stud owner Kirsten Rausing, founder of the Alborada Trust that funds medical and veterinary causes, was appointed CBE for services to charity, animal welfare, horseracing and bloodstock. Former Downpatrick racecourse manager Richard Lyttle was appointed MBE for services to the racing industry and Angela Tattersall of St John Ambulance, who has worked at York racecourse for almost 50 years, was appointed MBE for her services to the charity.

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Trainer Aidan O’Brien notched up a record-breaking ninth Epsom Derby victory when Auguste Rodin won the Betfred-sponsored race earlier this afternoon (3 June) under Ryan Moore.

Auguste Rodin, who is owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs J Magnier and Westerberg, stayed on well over the 1m4f trip, winning by half a length and was always doing enough.

“We had a smooth run. I landed in a nice spot and was always confident I had William [Buick] and Frankie [Dettori] covered,” explained Ryan of his ride. “In the end, it turned into a bit of a dash, but he responded gamely in the last furlong.”

What is remarkable about this result is that Auguste Rodin disappointed on his last appearance, finishing a dwindling 12th when sent off favourite for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket at the beginning of May.

“Aidan is the only man that could get a horse back from a bad run in the Guineas,” said Ryan, for whom this was a 15th British Classic victory. “This horse has a great pedigree and has always shown promise – we’ve always had a lot of belief in him.”

As is always the case, Aidan was quick to thank his team at home.

“This result is a great credit to everyone and there are so many people to thank. Auguste Rodin is a home-bred horse and he is totally unique being by Deep Impact and out of one of the greatest mares [Rhododendron], who was by Galileo,” said Aidan of his Epsom Derby result. “Everything fell against him in the Guineas but he came out of the race great. Then every day at home he was getting better and more confident. Ryan gave him a peach of a ride today.”

Aidan explained that Ryan said Auguste Rodin was special in February 2022.

“When Ryan rode him in work for the first time as a two-year-old last February, he said that this horse was special and his movement is incredible.”

66/1 shot King Of Steel gave a very impressive performance to finish second under Derby first-timer Kevin Stott, for trainer Roger Varian and owner Amo Racing Limited. This Epsom Derby result for King Of Steel, who is by Wootton Bassett, is worth noting given that he had only run twice prior to the Derby and had clocked £3,240, but he has now added £335,819.24 to that with this performance.

“That was a huge run and fair play to the trainer,” said Kevin. “I think maybe I was in front a bit too long but we were beaten by a very good horse.”

White Birch was third at 12/1 under Colin Keane, for trainer John James Murphy and owner Mrs C C Regalado-Gonzalez.

Frankie Dettori, who won the Oaks yesterday, was sent off favourite in the Derby with Arrest, but they finished in eventual 10th.

“The track was too much for him and he couldn’t run down the hill,” explained Frankie of Arrest’s performance. “His chances were over a long way out.”

Epsom Derby 2023 result: winner’s breeding

Auguste Rodin is out of the Galileo mare Rhododendron and by Deep Impact.

Deep Impact was a champion Japanese racehorse, who won the Japanese Triple Crown in 2005 and the Japan Cup in 2006, as well as three other Japanese Grade One races. Auguste Rodin is one of just six foals from Deep Impact’s final crop prior to his death aged 17 in 2019.

Rhododendron is one of the most successful mares by Galileo. She clocked over £1.36m in prize money during her career. As a two-year-old in 2016 she was rated the joint-best filly of her generation trained in Europe, inferior only to the American filly Lady Aurelia. After finishing second on her racecourse debut she won a maiden race at Goodwood and then recorded her first important success when taking the Group Two Debutante Stakes at the Curragh in August. In October, she won the Fillies’ Mile and as a three-year-old she finished second in both the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks before winning the Prix de l’Opéra. As a four-year-old in 2018 she added another major win in the Lockinge Stakes. Her owners decided to send her to Japan to be covered by Deep Impact following her retirement from the track.

Read the full report from the Derby meeting in the 8 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

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The King recorded his first winner as monarch with Just Fine producing a comfortable victory under jockey Ryan Moore at Leicester today (4 October).

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old pulled clear of his rivals at the furlong pole, widening the gap in the closing stages. He crossed the finish line four and a half lengths ahead of 9/4 favourite Sea The Casper in the 3.10pm 1m2f Kube – Leicester’s Premier Event Hire Venue handicap, making history as the first winner for His Majesty since he became King.

This was the third win for Just Fine, who had a starting price of 100/30, and his first since July 2021.

The Sea The Stars son, out of Kingmambo mare Bint Almatar, was bred by Godolphin and is in his third season in training.

Weatherbys confirmed to H&H last week that the ownership of all The Queen’s racehorses had been transferred to The King.

“All horses in training previously owned by Her Majesty The Queen have been transferred to His Majesty King Charles III, and will race in the name of The King, wearing the colours previously registered to The Queen, specifically purple, gold braid, scarlet sleeves, black velvet cap and gold fringe,” said the Weatherbys spokesperson.

The King’s first runner as monarch was Educator, a three-year-old colt bred by The Queen and trained by William Haggas, who finished second at Salisbury piloted by Tom Marquand on 29 September.

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What happens when one of the best-loved comedians meets one of the world’s best jockeys, but has no idea who he is?

Well, that’s exactly what happened during a comedy sketch promoting Great British Racing’s latest campaign called “Under-18s Race Free”, featuring Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams and three-time British champion Flat jockey Ryan Moore.

David takes on the role of young actor Billy Jenkins’ father during a day at the races but, unaware of Ryan’s status as one of the world’s best jockeys, David immediately causes awkwardness by asking the top rider where they can find “a decent jockey” — much to the embarrassment of young racing whizz Billy.

“My kids love David Walliams, so I knew that there would be trouble if I didn’t get involved in the filming with him,” said Ryan. “I think this is a great initiative and it’s so important that we get more children and families involved in the sport and coming racing.”

David Walliams added: “This campaign is great — so often kids’ days out can be expensive for the family so this could be a fun day out for everyone, where kids go free. There are a lot of fun things children can do at the races, so it’s great to be part of a campaign to educate families.”

The campaign highlights more than 200 racedays around the country taking place during the school holidays — including over 50 dedicated family racedays. Under-18s are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult and can enjoy the thrilling action on the racecourse, plus free additional activities including pony rides, fairgrounds and much more.

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“We are really pleased with the reception that the ‘Under-18s Race Free’ campaign has had so far and it’s brilliant that someone as high profile in the racing world as Ryan Moore has come on board to help us get the message out there,” said Rod Street, chief executive of Great British Racing. “The summer holidays are now only a few weeks away, so now is the time to be planning your family’s trip to your local racecourse.”

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Most famous for his skills on the football pitch, Michael Owen faced a new challenge when top Flat jockey Ryan Moore put him through his paces aboard a racehorse simulator, during his first ‘riding lesson’.

The former England international footballer has always had a passion for racing and owns numerous racehorses. He bred and owned the former Tom Dascombe-trained stable star Brown Panther, who won the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup. He also owns the impressive training establishment, Manor House Stables, in Cheshire.

During the session held at the British Racing School in Newmarket, Michael rode the equivalent of the QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes — a six-furlong race held on Champions Day at Ascot (15 October) — on a fast-moving mechanical horse.

Even for a former top sportsperson, like Michael, it appeared to be a tough workout and the 36-year-old was evidently surprised at how much hard work it was.

“Ryan Moore is one of the best jockeys in the world so who better to give me my first riding lesson? As a lifelong racing fan, I knew that the job of a jockey wasn’t easy, but as a former professional sportsman I was surprised by just how tough it was,” said Michael.

“Even though it was only for a few minutes it left my legs feeling like jelly. Having someone like Ryan next to me making it look like a walk in the park really shows the level of strength and fitness these guys have.”

Luckily, three-time champion Flat jockey Ryan was on hand to give some much-needed advice.

“Teaching an ex-international footballer how to ride was a first. As Michael said, when you are a professional, it’s hard to get into the mind frame of a complete beginner, but we got there with the basics,” he added.

Will a charity race be next on Michael Owen’s bucket list? Watch this space…

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Trainer Gary Moore is said to be recovering well in hospital after being kicked by a horse.

The West Sussex-based trainer was kicked in the back several times by one of his horses yesterday (Thursday, 5 November).

He was taken to Redhill hospital where he spent the night in intensive care.

The 59-year-old suffered damaged ribs and fluid on his lungs in the accident.

Gary is the father of jockeys Jamie, Josh, Ryan and Hayley.

Jamie told At The Races: “He’s broken ribs, punctured his lung and bruised his spleen.

“Hopefully he’ll be all right. My mum is trying to keep him in hospital as long as possible. He might be trying to break free and ringing a few of his mates to come and pick him up.

“He is granite — he’s hard as nails. No doubt he’ll be back very quick.”

The trainer was legging up his wife Jayne when a horse walking around the yard caught him in the middle of his back.

The trainer’s son Josh said that Gary “wasn’t very happy” about an ambulance being called.

Gary trained Sire De Grugy to win the 2014 Champion Chase, ridden by his son Jamie. The horse is always ridden by Jamie at home and the family’s victory proved extremely popular in the National Hunt world.

His oldest son Ryan has recently returned to riding after suffering a neck injury in a stalls accident at Newmarket’s July meeting.

There were fears that the three-time champion Flat jockey would be out of action for the rest of the year. However, at the weekend (31 October) Ryan was back in flying forming taking the Junenile Turf at the Breeders’ Cup with Hit IT A Bomb.

It’s been a tempestuous year for the family as Jamie suffered a broken hip in a fall at Worcester in July, while Josh broke his collarbone at Aintree in April.

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Comptitive riders are more extroverted and conscientious than their non-competitive counterparts, according to a recent study.

Researchers surveyed more than 4,000 English-speaking equestrians and found that personality traits are linked to the discipline a rider practises.

The study discovered that competitive riders are more open to new experiences, ideas and thoughts, with dressage riders scoring highest of all.

“Most competing riders will encounter situations that will tax their resolve,” said sports psychology expert Dr Inga Wolframm, who carried out the research alongside Dr Jane Williams and Dr David Marlin.

“Injuries to their horses immediately prior to an important competition, the struggle of combining a competition schedule with family commitments and financial strains — it all adds up.

“Riders who are conscientious by nature will work very hard at overcoming these obstacles. And riders who are extrovert may even enjoy the challenge of it all.”

The research also found that riders become more genial with age.

Equestrians aged over 35 were found to be less anxious and more emotionally stable and open to new ideas than younger riders.

“Riding is one of the few sports where performance isn’t hindered by advancing years,” said physiologist and biochemist Dr Marlin.

“We need to encourage any coaching whereby older, experienced riders take youngsters under their wings.”

The research, conducted in spring last year, was published last month (7 September).

Participants completed a questionnaire that allowed for personality profiles to be developed based on the traits of emotional stability, extroversion, agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness.

Participants were mainly female (96%), from the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Europe, and participated in pleasure riding, dressage, eventing, showjumping, Western riding and showing.

‘A little obsessive’

Olympian and H&H dressage columnist Richard Davison said he sees shared characteristics between top riders.

“Most are a little obsessive and pay great attention to detail — in all aspects of their life,” he told H&H.

“If you turn that round that’s probably why they’re very good riders. Dressage in particular requires very consistent, routine training techniques.”

Richard questioned whether competitive riders are naturally extroverts or if they learn this behaviour to be successful.

“Other psychologists say it’s not that unusual to adopt a personality trait for people dedicated to success in any sphere.”

He agreed older riders are more genial and cited the fact that top international competition yards have younger riders as apprentices.

“The findings that dressage riders are more open to new experiences do not surprise me at all,” he added.

“If you want to be successful, it’s all about appraising what you are currently doing and questioning if there is a more effective way.

“To be successful at any elite level of sport you need a strong resolve to bounce back when faced with the knocks and challenges.”

Despite the findings of the study, a handful of leading riders display more introverted characteristics.

For instance, the world’s leading dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin chooses to keep her trainer Carl Hester by her side during press conferences, and has only recently appeared more confident under the public eye.

Similarly, three-time champion Flat jockey Ryan Moore speaks very little in public, preferring to keep his head down to focus on the job.

Showjumper John Whitaker is also known for having a more reserved nature.

The researchers hope the study will help riders make the most out of their partnership with their horse.

“It could be useful for a rider looking to specialise or young riders starting out,” Dr Williams

told H&H.

“They can look at their personality to see which area suits them — for instance if they struggle to pay attention to detail then dressage wouldn’t be for them.”

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Last week’s Royal Ascot was as good a race meeting as I can remember. I’m pretty sure it gets harder to win there every year.

Toronado cruised through the Queen Anne before winning with the minimum of fuss. Whether he will be able to match the fast improving Kingman is debatable, but he has got better from three years old to four.

The aforementioned Kingman annihilated Night Of Thunder and others in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Held up off a slow pace, he winged past them all and looks as though he is improving from race to race.

If he were mine, it would pain me that he was beaten in the 2000 Guineas. He is clearly miles better than the rest of his generation, but the history books show he was second on the day that matters most of all.

We can assume that many of his peers will be ducking him in the future. Though I doubt that will be the case with Toronado.

It looked like being a sensational meeting for Toronado’s owner, the new powerhouse of Al Shaqab Racing, which owns the Norfolk Stakes winner Baitha Alga and last year’s brilliant Arc de Triomphe winner Treve.

But Treve moved poorly to post for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and ran poorly in the race. Perhaps she had a difficult preparation, but it must be remembered that she is by Motivator out of a mare by Anabaa, a pedigree that suggests last week’s fast surface was unsuitable.

Furthermore, it was the first time she had run outside of Paris, a mere 30min from her Chantilly stables. No doubt we will see her back at her best in the autumn in France.

The Gold Cup was an epic contest. Irish hurdler Missunited set a steady pace before quickening up out of Swinley Bottom and getting the whole field off the bridle, under a fine ride from Jim Crowley.

But Joseph O’Brien on Leading Light and Ryan Moore (Estimate) were wise to it, and the former prevailed in a pulsating three-way finish.

There was plenty of sympathy for Estimate, who had missed work in the spring and rightly so. But Leading Light was the best horse on the day.

Rizeena bounced back from a poor run in the 1000 Guineas to win the Coronation Stakes. The best two-year-old filly of her generation, she had not run well at Newmarket in four starts.

Probably because of this her trainer, optimistic octogenarian Clive Brittain’s faith in her never wavered. I can’t think that I will still be at it at his age, or with his enthusiasm. His record in Group Ones is remarkable and one that should be revered.

Of the trainers, Sir Michael Stoute came out on top, just outpointing John Gosden, each of them with four winners. But they were both upstaged by Irishman Eddie Lynam who brought four horses and returned home with three winners.

Sole Power and Slade Power won both the Group One sprints and he won the Queen Mary with Alexander Anthem.

A year ago in this column, I wrote that Ryan Moore is the best jockey around because of his consistency. This year, he has been peerless in the saddle, and he continued with fine rides on the likes of Telescope and Arabian Moon.

Our very best jockeys over the decades have got to the point where they dictate how a race is run — and the rest follow. Ryan’s ride on Telescope being a good example.

Lester Piggott in the 1960s and 70s, Steve Cauthen in the early 80s, followed by Pat Eddery, Frankie Dettori and Kieren Fallon through the 80s, 90s and into the noughties.

Ryan has reached that level and is without doubt the complete jockey. There are, of course, days when Richard Hughes is his equal, particularly around Goodwood and some of the lesser tracks such as Windsor and Kempton.

However, the clamour for Ryan’s services in Hong Kong and Japan, where racing is more part of the public consciousness than here — and with prize-money to match — justifies the view that he is the best rider in the world.

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The bigwigs at Racing for Change, the body charged with revitalising racing’s image, must have their heads in their hands. They desperately want to make stars out of the top jockeys and, outside of Frankie Dettori and AP McCoy, the public hasn’t got a clue who they are.

Now Ryan Moore, the 26-year-old jockey who has been champion three times already, follows his first Classic win in the Oaks with his second the following day in the Derby. He’s a brilliant rider with the support of Britain’s top trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, and is likely to be champion for as long as he wants to be — quite possibly the next two decades. Great story, no?

The problem is that Ryan doesn’t want to be a great story. To say he’s taciturn is to put it kindly. It’s not that he won’t talk to the press — he’s not particularly stroppy or difficult — he just doesn’t ever say anything when he does. Asked yesterday whether it meant a lot to him to win his first Classic, he basically said no, it wasn’t, then added that it wasn’t the Derby, anyway.

Today he made a bit more of an effort and mumbled a few clichés while looking rather embarrassed about it being a great race, but it was hardly the emotive stuff we expect from our sports stars now.

It wouldn’t really have been difficult, would it, to try a bit harder? He knows well enough by now what the journalists want. He doesn’t have to do flying dismounts and snog the camera — there is only one Frankie Dettori, after all — but we’d like to think the Derby meant more than a Newmarket handicap.

As journalists, we build up these top races to try and get the wider public to understand that racing is a big deal, that the battle of horse against horse is a magnificent spectacle, that it’s heart-stopping stuff. When the winning rider shrugs it off like it’s a primary school egg and spoon race, how can we expect the general public to take an interest?

But Ryan’s ice-cool attitude and nerves of steel are why he’s such an amazing jockey. He’s a consummate horseman, a top athlete, and a winner by nature. He’s just not a talker. I don’t think he’ll ever be one, and Racing for Change should accept that and promote him for his talents in the saddle, not at the end of a microphone. Let’s hope that Frankie wins enough big races to compensate.

Don’t miss next Thursday’s magazine (10 June) for a special report, analysis and comment on the Classic meeting

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Champion jockey Ryan Moore rode his first Classic winner yesterday on Snow Fairy in the Investec Oaks. Twenty-four hours later he added the world’s most prestigious race, the Investec Derby, to his tally when Workforce strode home to a seven-length victory.

Workforce, nicknamed “Sefton” at home at Sir Michael Stoute’s Newmarket yard because of his unflappable temperament — and perhaps his big frame and plain head — was sent off at 6-1 after being beaten in York’s Dante Stakes on his last start.

The Derby was only the King’s Best colt’s third ever run, and it was generally considered that he wouldn’t handle Epsom’s rollercoaster bends well, despite having a huge reputation for blistering workouts on the gallops.

But, under the immaculate handling of Ryan Moore, he remained tucked away in the pack until well into the straight before using his long stride to power past the pacemaker, Aiden O’Brien’s At First Sight, who stayed on for second at 100-1.

It was a breathtaking performance — in a record time— from a colt who should have a lot more to give before he eventually retires to his owner-breeder Khalid Abdulla’s Juddmonte breeding operation.

Frankie Dettori finished third on the supplemented Rewilding, half a length behind Johnny Murtagh on At First Sight. Fourth was the favourite, Jan Vermeer, who lost two shoes during the race. His Ballydoyle stable companion, Midas Touch, was fifth and Al Zir was sixth under Kieren Fallon — who was the last person to do the Oaks-Derby double in 2004.

Don’t miss next Thursday’s issue of H&H magazine for a special report, analysis and comment on the Classic meeting

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After a closely fought season William Buick and David Probert shared the champion apprentice title with 50 wins each when the 2007-8 Flat season ended on Saturday (8 November).

Both are stable apprentices with Andrew Balding.

Ryan Moore took the champion Flat jockey title for a second time with 186 wins. He was also champion in 2006.

Aidan O’Brien was named champion trainer with prize money totalling £3,276,097 and Princess Haya champion owner with winnings of £2,161,396.

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