Ryan Moore: Legendary jockey awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honors | Racing news

Ryan Moore has been awarded an MBE for his services to racing and British sport in the King’s Birthday Honors list.

Moore, who rode Estimate to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2013 for Queen Elizabeth II, is regarded as one of the greatest jockeys of his generation, with 92 victories at Royal Meetings to his name as well as sharing 18 British Classic winners, including four Derby scorers.

His father Gary, a former jockey who is now a trainer with his other son, Josh, told the Press Association: “It’s well-deserved and I’m very surprised. I know I’m his dad, but he does a great job behind the scenes and it’s fantastic what he does as well. I’m obviously very proud.

“I know he loved the (late) Queen and had a lot of respect for Ryan. I was lucky enough to meet him a few months before he died and I was amazed at the way he spoke about her.

“I think Ryan would be deeply proud, even though he probably wouldn’t show it. I think he’d be as shocked as anything. It’s another great moment in his career.”

Moore is joined on the honors list by renowned owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing, who has been awarded a CBE for charity and animal welfare, as well as horse racing and bloodstock.

Owned by Llanwedes Stud in Newmarket, Rousing’s green and white silks are regulars at the racecourse and the Sir Mark Prescott-trained pair have had notable success with dual champion stakes heroine Alborada and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista.

Richard Little, former manager of Downpatrick Racecourse in Northern Ireland, was also awarded an MBE.