George Moore, Australian jockey and trainer (b. 1923)

George Thomas Donald Moore OBE (5 July 1923 – 8 January 2008) was a truly legendary figure in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing, renowned globally for his unparalleled prowess as both an Australian jockey and a highly successful horse trainer. Awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to sport, Moore’s remarkable career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on racing circuits from Australia to Europe and Asia.

Early Australian Dominance and Key Partnerships

Moore embarked on his illustrious racing journey in 1939 in Brisbane, Queensland. His exceptional talent quickly became evident, allowing him to swiftly rise through the ranks of apprentice jockeys. By 1943, his skill and dedication culminated in him securing the coveted Senior Jockeys' Premiership in Brisbane, a clear signal of his burgeoning capabilities. This early success paved the way for a pivotal career move; he soon relocated to Sydney, the epicentre of Australian racing. In 1949, Moore forged a career-defining partnership with the equally legendary trainer Tommy J. Smith, widely known as T.J. Smith. Their collaboration would become one of the most successful and celebrated jockey-trainer alliances in the history of Australian Thoroughbred racing, yielding an extraordinary number of victories.

A Global Racing Icon: International Triumphs

Moore's reputation as a rider soon transcended national borders. In 1950, he received a significant invitation from American racing icon Johnny Longden, prompting his first foray into the United States. During this visit, Moore demonstrated his adaptable skill by winning the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar Racetrack, a notable achievement on foreign soil. He continued to dominate the Australian scene, winning the prestigious Jockeys' Premiership in Sydney in both 1957 and 1958, further cementing his status as Australia's premier rider. His international appeal deepened in 1959 when he accepted an enticing offer to ride in Europe. This saw him partnering with two titans of European racing: trainer/owner Alec Head, whose Haras du Quesnay stud farm in France is world-renowned, and the influential major owner, Prince Aly Khan. This period marked a spectacular string of European successes for Moore, including victories in some of the continent’s most esteemed races:

Upon returning to Sydney, Moore resumed his relentless winning form, continuing to secure Jockeys' Premierships. His exceptional talent was once again sought after internationally, leading to another highly successful return to Europe in 1967. This time, he rode for the acclaimed British trainer Noel Murless, embarking on what would be a historically significant season. Moore achieved an extraordinary feat by winning the first three of the five British Classic Races in 1967:

Australian Legend and Retirement from the Saddle

Throughout his career, George Moore was synonymous with success in Australia's most prestigious races. A highlight of his riding career was his iconic partnership with the legendary Thoroughbred, Tulloch. Widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest ever racehorses and an inductee into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, Tulloch's phenomenal record included 36 wins, with George Moore aboard for an incredible nineteen of those victories, showcasing a symbiotic relationship between horse and rider. Moore finally retired from riding in 1971, concluding a monumental career in the saddle. His final statistics as a jockey were staggering, including 312 metropolitan stakes victories and a then-record 119 Group One races – the highest echelon of international Thoroughbred competition, underscoring his dominance at the elite level.

The Transition to Training: Continued Excellence

Far from resting on his laurels, George Moore seamlessly transitioned from jockey to highly successful trainer, an incredibly rare feat for a rider of his calibre. He initially commenced his training career in France, leveraging his extensive European contacts and experience. He then returned to Australia before embarking on what would become another defining chapter of his career: a thirteen-season tenure as a trainer in the intensely competitive Hong Kong racing jurisdiction. Between 1973 and 1985, Moore’s training operation in Hong Kong achieved unparalleled dominance, as he remarkably won the training premiership eleven times. This extraordinary record solidified his reputation not only as one of the greatest jockeys but also as one of the most successful trainers in global racing history.

Legacy of a Racing Giant

After the conclusion of the 1985 racing season, George Moore retired from his active career, settling on the Gold Coast, Queensland. He passed away in Sydney on 8 January 2008, leaving behind an indelible legacy. Moore's contributions to Thoroughbred racing were immense and multifaceted; he was a master horseman who achieved supreme success in two distinct, demanding facets of the sport across multiple continents. His achievements as a jockey, particularly his partnership with Tulloch and his British and European Classic victories, alongside his unprecedented success as a trainer in Hong Kong, have enshrined him as one of the sport's all-time greats. He is an inductee into both the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Australian Racing Hall of Fame, a testament to his profound and lasting impact on the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About George Moore

Who was George Moore?
George Thomas Donald Moore OBE was a legendary Australian figure in Thoroughbred racing, widely celebrated as one of the greatest jockeys and trainers of all time. He was known for his exceptional skill in the saddle and his remarkable success as a trainer across Australia, Europe, and especially Hong Kong.
What were George Moore's major achievements as a jockey?
As a jockey, George Moore won numerous prestigious races globally. Key achievements include winning the Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and multiple British Classics like the 2,000 Guineas (twice), 1,000 Guineas, and his most significant British win, the 1967 Epsom Derby. In Australia, he won multiple Jockeys' Premierships and rode the legendary Tulloch to 19 of his 36 wins. He retired with a record 119 Group One victories.
Which famous horses did George Moore ride?
The most iconic horse George Moore rode was the Australian Hall of Fame champion, Tulloch, for whom he partnered in 19 of his 36 career wins. In Europe, he rode Royal Palace to victory in the prestigious 1967 Epsom Derby, considered his biggest British racing triumph.
What was George Moore's impact as a trainer?
After retiring from riding, Moore became an immensely successful trainer. His most notable training achievements came in Hong Kong, where he won an unprecedented eleven training premierships in thirteen seasons between 1973 and 1985, establishing a dominant stable in one of the world's most competitive racing jurisdictions.
Where did George Moore race and train?
George Moore's career spanned multiple continents. As a jockey, he achieved significant success in Australia (Brisbane, Sydney), the United States (Del Mar), and throughout Europe (France, UK). As a trainer, he operated stables in France, Australia, and most notably, Hong Kong.