GOOD NEWS: Ballydoyle Jockey Ryan Moore Has Donated Half of His Season Prize Money to Fulfill His Parents’ Dream
In a heartwarming gesture that has captured the attention of the racing world, renowned jockey Ryan Moore, the first-choice rider for Aidan O’Brien’s powerhouse Ballydoyle stable, has donated half of his earnings from the 2025 season to make his parents’ lifelong dream come true.
The announcement, shared in a rare emotional interview, highlighted the deep gratitude Moore feels toward his family, particularly his mother, who made immense sacrifices during his early years in the sport.
Moore, widely regarded as one of the greatest flat racing jockeys of his generation, has amassed an extraordinary career.
Born in Brighton, England, on September 18, 1983, into a racing dynasty—his father Gary Moore is a former jump jockey turned successful trainer, his grandfather Charlie Moore was a trainer and car salesman, and his siblings have all been involved in the sport—Moore has ridden over 200 Group and Grade 1 winners internationally.
His partnership with Ballydoyle, which began in earnest in 2015, has produced countless triumphs, including multiple Epsom Derbies, Oaks, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes, and Breeders’ Cup victories.
Despite his reserved public persona, Moore has always credited his family for his success. His mother, Jayne, played a pivotal role in his formative years. When Moore was young and eager to pursue racing, she worried about the uncertainties of the profession and encouraged him to complete his education.
Yet, as he began riding at age four and securing early wins, she supported his passion, often prioritizing his training over her own needs. In the interview, Moore recounted a poignant memory: “When I was little, my mother went without food so I could train and have the best opportunities.
She sacrificed so much to help me become the rider she always believed I could be.”
Those words, delivered with quiet intensity, brought tears to his mother’s eyes. Her response was simple yet profoundly moving: “You’ve made me so proud, son.” The exchange underscored the unbreakable bond between mother and son, a bond forged through years of hardship and unwavering belief.
The 2025 season has been another stellar one for Moore, despite a late-season injury that sidelined him from September onward. Partnering with top-class horses from the Coolmore Stud, he added to his tally of big-race successes, contributing to prize money totals that have solidified his status as a global star.
His share of the winnings, estimated to be substantial given his role in numerous high-stakes events, formed the basis of this generous donation.
Moore’s decision to give half his season’s earnings reflects a desire to give back to the people who shaped him.
The funds will go toward fulfilling a dream his parents have long held but never prioritized for themselves—details of which remain private, but sources close to the family describe it as a modest yet meaningful aspiration involving travel or a home improvement project they had discussed for years.
This act of generosity aligns with Moore’s broader commitment to family and community. While he is famously private, avoiding the spotlight off the track, he has been involved in charitable efforts in the past, such as supporting Retraining of Racehorses through Ascot initiatives.
In 2024, Ascot donated £5,000 for every winner he rode during Royal Ascot, raising significant funds for horse welfare. Moore’s donation to his parents, however, carries a deeply personal significance, marking a full-circle moment from the sacrifices of his childhood to the abundance of his success.
The racing community has responded with widespread admiration. Fellow jockeys, trainers, and fans have praised Moore not just for his riding prowess but for his humility and gratitude.
Aidan O’Brien, who has relied on Moore for over a decade, called the gesture “typical of Ryan—quietly generous and thoughtful.” O’Brien noted that Moore’s injury recovery is progressing well, with a potential return in 2026, allowing him to continue building on his legacy.
For Moore, this donation is more than financial; it is a tribute to the foundation his parents provided. He has often spoken of how racing is a family affair, with his siblings Jamie, Joshua, and Hayley also pursuing careers in the sport.
His mother’s early encouragement, even amid doubts about the industry’s risks, propelled him forward. By fulfilling her dream now, Moore honors the sacrifices that enabled his rise from a young rider in Sussex to a champion jockey gracing the world’s greatest stages.
This story serves as a reminder that behind every great athlete lies a support system of love and sacrifice.
Ryan Moore’s gesture not only brings joy to his parents but inspires others to recognize and repay the debts of gratitude we owe to those who believed in us when we were just starting out.
For Moore, this donation is more than financial; it is a tribute to the foundation his parents provided. He has often spoken of how racing is a family affair, with his siblings Jamie, Joshua, and Hayley also pursuing careers in the sport.
His mother’s early encouragement, even amid doubts about the industry’s risks, propelled him forward. By fulfilling her dream now, Moore honors the sacrifices that enabled his rise from a young rider in Sussex to a champion jockey gracing the world’s greatest stages.
This story serves as a reminder that behind every great athlete lies a support system of love and sacrifice.
Ryan Moore’s gesture not only brings joy to his parents but inspires others to recognize and repay the debts of gratitude we owe to those who believed in us when we were just starting out.
