MUCH MOORE TO COME NOW

Richard Eagle sees young Toby flying the family flag high at Kempton races

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On a quiet evening at Kempton I was looking forward to see 17 year old Toby Moore have his first ride for Godolphin. He was aboard their 2yo filly Valdorcia.

Nipping through on the inside young Toby came way to win by two lengths. Toby is the son of Ryan Moore, who was unable to be there because of a recent stress fracture of his femur. With uncles and ex-jockeys Josh and Jamie very much involved with grandfather Gary's yard in Horsham, Toby will be receiving the best advise. Auntie Hayley will doubtless be proud to call him home in a her TV presenting role (before the newest of the Moore family is born). Awhile ago I was at Epsom when a travelling head lad reminded me of Charlie, the grandad of the Moore racing dynasty. The story goes that Charlie ran a used car sales operation near the racecourse. Back in the late 1950s Charlie had attended a horse sale at Epsom with a friend who had an interest in racing. Whilst a mare was walking around the ring Charlie simply rubbed his chin and the auctioneer took it as a bid! A few minutes later Charlie was £200 poorer and the mare was his. I will have to check with Gary on all those details being true, but guess it all had to start somewhere.

Staying with Gary Moore the number of trainers that have worked for him seems almost endless. Philip Hide, Adam West, Robyn Brisland to name just a few. One to add to the list is Daniel Steele who trains in nearby Henfield.