Ryan Moore, the jockey who partnered Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Estimate to a historic Gold Cup victory at Royal Ascot, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Moore, widely regarded as one of the finest jockeys of his generation, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to horseracing and British sport.
The honour crowns a remarkable career that has seen Moore win some of the world’s most prestigious races, including multiple Classics in Britain, Ireland and France, as well as major international victories across Europe, Australia, Asia and the United States.
However, for many royal watchers, Moore will forever be associated with one of the most memorable moments of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
In June 2013, he guided the Queen’s homebred mare Estimate to victory in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, becoming the first horse owned by a reigning monarch to win the race in its more than 200-year history.
The triumph sparked scenes of jubilation rarely seen from the late Queen, who watched from the Royal Box as Estimate crossed the line ahead of Simenon.
Television cameras captured the monarch clapping with delight before celebrating with family members and racing connections, in what became one of the defining sporting moments of her reign.
The victory carried special significance for Queen Elizabeth II, whose lifelong passion for horse racing was well known. Despite decades of success as an owner and breeder, the Gold Cup had remained elusive until Estimate’s famous victory.
Speaking afterwards, Moore described the achievement as a privilege, while the Queen later said she had been “thrilled” by the result.
Moore has since cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s leading riders, winning numerous Group One races and establishing himself as the first-choice jockey for trainer Aidan O’Brien and the powerful Coolmore operation.
His recognition in the Birthday Honours reflects both his exceptional achievements in the saddle and his contribution to British racing over more than two decades at the highest level.
