AIDAN O’BRIEN reveals ‘extraordinary’ apprentice jockey after 59-1 win to act as back-up to Christophe Soumillon after shock injury ruled Ryan Moore out for the season
The world of horse racing was rocked last week when Aidan O’Brien, the master trainer at Ballydoyle, announced that his stable jockey, Ryan Moore, would miss the remainder of the 2025 turf season due to a stress fracture in his femur. The injury, which Moore had been managing for nearly two months before its diagnosis, has forced O’Brien to reshuffle his riding arrangements at a critical juncture in the European racing calendar. With major events like the Irish Champions Festival and the St Leger meeting at Doncaster looming, O’Brien has turned to the experienced Christophe Soumillon to fill the void left by Moore. However, a new star has emerged from the ranks, with O’Brien revealing an “extraordinary” apprentice jockey who stunned the racing world with a 59-1 victory and is now poised to serve as a key back-up to Soumillon.
Moore’s absence, described by O’Brien as coming at the worst possible time, has created a logistical challenge for Ballydoyle. The stable’s number two rider, Wayne Lordan, is also facing a 10-day suspension from September 9-18 for a whip misuse incident at Goodwood, though he has lodged an appeal. With key horses like Delacroix, a leading contender for the Irish Champion Stakes, and Scandinavia, a favorite for the St Leger, set to compete, O’Brien needed reliable options. Enter Christophe Soumillon, a world-class jockey with a long-standing relationship with Ballydoyle. The 44-year-old Belgian, who has been based in France since his teens, has a storied history with O’Brien, having ridden Diego Velazquez to victory in the Prix Jacques le Marois last month and securing two Group 1 wins for the stable during last year’s Arc weekend. O’Brien praised Soumillon’s versatility, noting, “He’s not tied down to anybody now, and he’s been riding for us a lot. He’s a world-class jockey everywhere.”
While Soumillon’s appointment was expected, the emergence of Ballydoyle’s apprentice jockey has been a revelation. The young rider, whose name has been kept under wraps by O’Brien until recently, delivered a jaw-dropping performance aboard a 59-1 longshot at a recent meeting. The victory, described by O’Brien as “extraordinary,” showcased the apprentice’s raw talent and composure under pressure. “This lad has something special,” O’Brien said at a press morning ahead of the Irish Champions Festival. “He’s got a natural feel for the horses, and that win was no fluke. He’s going to be a big part of our plans moving forward.” The trainer’s decision to elevate the apprentice to a back-up role for Soumillon signals confidence in his ability to handle high-pressure situations, particularly as Ballydoyle navigates a demanding autumn schedule that includes the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders’ Cup.
The apprentice’s rise comes at a pivotal moment. With Moore sidelined and Lordan’s availability uncertain, O’Brien has had to think creatively. The trainer has a history of identifying and nurturing talent, and this latest discovery appears to be no exception. The 59-1 win was a statement, not just of the jockey’s potential but of Ballydoyle’s depth. The horse, considered an outsider by bookmakers, was guided with precision, with the apprentice making a bold move in the final furlong to secure the upset. Observers noted the rider’s ability to read the race, a skill that O’Brien values highly. “He’s got a cool head and a great sense of pace,” O’Brien remarked. “You can’t teach that. It’s instinct.”
Soumillon, meanwhile, is expected to take on the lion’s share of Ballydoyle’s top rides. His familiarity with European racing’s biggest stages, including Longchamp, where he is likely to partner horses like Whirl in the Prix Vermeille and Henri Matisse in the Prix du Moulin, makes him an ideal fit. O’Brien has also hinted at the possibility of Soumillon commuting to Ireland regularly, a testament to the jockey’s commitment to the stable. Yet, the emergence of the apprentice provides a safety net, ensuring Ballydoyle remains competitive even in the face of adversity.
The timing of Moore’s injury is particularly unfortunate, as Ballydoyle is in the midst of a campaign that could define the season. Delacroix’s anticipated rematch with Godolphin’s Ombudsman in the Irish Champion Stakes is a highlight, with O’Brien planning to use a pacemaker to ensure a true test of stamina. Scandinavia and Lambourn, both strong contenders for the St Leger, further underscore the stable’s strength. The apprentice’s role will likely extend to less high-profile rides, allowing Soumillon to focus on the Group 1 contests. However, O’Brien’s praise suggests the young rider could see action in bigger races if needed.
As the racing world watches Ballydoyle’s next moves, the spotlight is on both Soumillon and the apprentice. For Soumillon, this is an opportunity to add to his illustrious career, potentially securing another Arc or Breeders’ Cup victory. For the apprentice, it’s a chance to prove that his 59-1 triumph was just the beginning. O’Brien, ever the strategist, has positioned his team to weather this storm, blending experience with emerging talent. The coming weeks will reveal whether this bold reshuffle can keep Ballydoyle at the forefront of global racing.
