WINNO IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN MOORE - PART 1
By Darren Winningham | Thursday, December 5, 2019
When it comes to the Hong Kong International Races, John Moore has experienced it all.
History shows that he had a runner in Hong Kong’s first ever international race, saddling up Wing Ho in the 1988 Invitation Cup, and he has captured eight Group Ones on the biggest day of racing in Hong Kong.
Now, on the verge of being forced into retirement by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, it is with a hint of sadness that he prepares to launch one final assault on an event that he has watched evolve into one of the world’s premier race days – the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
**************************************************************************************************
After landing his first international day success with Motivation in 1993 in what was then named the Hong Kong International Cup. Moore had to patiently wait until 2008 to taste victory again, in the Sprint with Inspiration.
Wins have regularly flowed since – Able One in 2011, Dominant in 2013, Designs On Rome and Able Friend in 2014 and Beauty Generation in 2017 and 2018 – and Moore says a shift in approach to sourcing horses made his stable what it is today.
Moore is one of only two trainers, along with Tony Cruz, to have won every HKIR race and he considers the efforts of Beauty Generation and Able Friend as his greatest international day moments.
“Definitely Beauty Generation, because he’s up for his third win in the Mile, and Able Friend. Those two really come to mind. It’s not only being able to buy them but to nurture them so they can be competitive on the world stage,” he said.
*************************************************************************************************
Moore is desperate to add to his magnificent international day record before contemplating what to do next?
The latest Hong Kong sprinting sensation Aethero (International Sprint) and reigning Horse of the Year Beauty Generation (International Mile) are set to start favourite in their respective races, while Moore also has reliable galloper Eagle Way in the Vase.
“It’s every trainer’s dream in Hong Kong, not just to participate and make up the numbers but to go into these HKIR races with a chance of winning them. It’s really something as a trainer,” said Moore.
**************************************************************************************************
Moore has dominated Hong Kong racing for three decades since taking over from his father the legendary George Moore in 1985 but, as the time for the curtain call approaches for Moore in Hong Kong I just had to ask one burning question.
Where to next Mr Moore?
Stay tuned for part 2 – you may just be surprised!
More articles
|