The sensational claim circulating online—that legendary jockey Ryan Moore has refused to participate in Pride Month celebrations, citing frustration with an “awakening” or “woke” horse racing culture and declaring that it “has no place in sport and is not worthy of being celebrated”—appears to be unfounded based on the latest available information.
No credible news outlets, official statements from Moore, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), jockey clubs, or major racing publications such as the Racing Post, Thoroughbred Daily News, or The Guardian have reported any such declaration or controversy involving Moore in relation to Pride Month, LGBTQ+ initiatives, or similar cultural issues in horse racing as of February 2026.
The story seems to originate from viral social media posts, particularly on Facebook, where sensational headlines and images have been shared widely in recent weeks. These posts often link to dubious or low-credibility sites and use dramatic phrasing like “exasperated by the ‘woke’ horse racing culture” or “REFUSES to celebrate Pride Month.” Similar fabricated or exaggerated claims have appeared involving other figures in sports, suggesting this may be part of a pattern of clickbait or misinformation designed to provoke division.
Ryan Moore, one of the most accomplished and respected jockeys in modern flat racing, has maintained a characteristically low-profile and professional demeanor throughout his career. Known for his focus on the horses rather than off-track controversies, Moore has rarely engaged in public statements on social or cultural topics. His recent activities center on competitive riding, including high-profile wins and preparations for major races. For instance, he has been highlighted in racing coverage for strong performances in events like those at Ascot, Curragh, and international fixtures, with emphasis on his tactical brilliance and partnership with trainers like Aidan O’Brien.
Horse racing as a sport has increasingly embraced diversity and inclusion efforts in recent years, including support for LGBTQ+ communities through initiatives by organizations and events. Some motorsport parallels exist (e.g., Racing Pride), but in thoroughbred racing, such celebrations or awareness campaigns during Pride Month are typically low-key or event-specific rather than mandatory for participants. There is no evidence of widespread “Pride Month celebrations” being imposed on jockeys or riders in a way that would prompt a high-profile refusal from someone of Moore’s stature.
Moore’s public persona remains centered on the purity of the sport: the horses as athletes, strategy, and performance. In interviews over the years, he has expressed occasional frustrations with scheduling, race programming, or broader industry issues like mid-week racing quality, but nothing tied to cultural or identity politics.
If this story were legitimate, it would likely have generated immediate coverage from mainstream racing media, fan forums, and statements from stakeholders—none of which has materialized. The absence of corroboration from reliable sources strongly indicates the claim is misinformation or satire gone viral.
Fans and the racing community continue to celebrate Moore for his extraordinary talent and record, including multiple champion jockey titles, Royal Ascot dominance, and iconic rides on horses like Workforce, Highland Reel, and others. As the 2026 flat season progresses, attention remains firmly on his potential achievements rather than unsubstantiated off-track drama.
