As Aidan O’Brien’s Jockey Answers Shocking Fan Question After Questioning Who Will Replace Ryan Moore In Future After Injury

The horse racing world was rocked recently when news broke that Ryan Moore, Aidan O’Brien’s star jockey and one of the most celebrated riders in the sport, suffered a stress fracture in his femur, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the 2025 Flat season. The injury, which had been troubling Moore since the Irish Derby weekend in late June, was only recently diagnosed after persistent pain forced him to undergo scans and an X-ray. This revelation has sent shockwaves through Ballydoyle, O’Brien’s renowned training yard, as they face the critical autumn racing season without their key rider. The timing could not be worse, with major events like the Irish Champions Weekend, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the Breeders’ Cup on the horizon. The absence of Moore, who has been a cornerstone of Ballydoyle’s success, has sparked intense speculation about who will step into his boots and how O’Brien will navigate this unprecedented challenge.

Moore’s injury, described as a stress fracture in the femur, the largest bone in the human body, requires significant time to heal. O’Brien himself confirmed the severity, noting that Moore would be “very lucky” to return before the season’s end. The jockey’s resilience in continuing to ride through the pain for months, including delivering a standout performance in the Eclipse Stakes aboard Delacroix, has only heightened the admiration for his dedication. However, the diagnosis has forced Ballydoyle to confront a logistical nightmare, compounded by the absence of their second-choice jockey, Wayne Lordan, who is serving a 10-day suspension for a whip rule violation at Goodwood. With both primary riders unavailable, O’Brien has had to quickly adapt, turning to a familiar face to fill the void: Christophe Soumillon, the Belgian-born, French-based jockey with a storied history of success.

Soumillon, a 10-time French champion jockey, has long been a part of Ballydoyle’s extended team, particularly for their French campaigns. His recent victories for O’Brien, including the Prix Jacques Le Marois with Diego Velazquez and two Group One wins during last year’s Arc weekend, make him a natural choice to step up. O’Brien has praised Soumillon’s world-class talent, noting that he is “not tied down to anybody now” and has been riding for Ballydoyle extensively since becoming a free agent. The trainer’s confidence in Soumillon suggests a seamless transition, but replacing Moore, who is widely regarded as the world’s top big-race jockey, is no small feat. Moore’s partnership with O’Brien has yielded 150 Group One victories, including a recent milestone with Whirl in the Pretty Polly Stakes, cementing their status as European racing’s most formidable duo.

The question of who will replace Moore long-term, however, took center stage at a recent media event when a fan posed a surprising question to Soumillon: would he consider becoming Ballydoyle’s permanent stable jockey? The query, which caught many off guard, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Moore’s recovery and the future of O’Brien’s operation. Soumillon, known for his candid demeanor, responded diplomatically but firmly, emphasizing his commitment to his current role while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to ride for Ballydoyle. “I’m here to help Aidan and the team, and I’m honored to ride these incredible horses,” he said, sidestepping speculation about a permanent move. “Ryan is one of the best, and my focus is on doing my best for the team while he takes the time he needs.” His response quelled some of the rumors but left fans and pundits wondering about the long-term implications.

For O’Brien, the immediate challenge is managing a packed schedule without Moore. The trainer has other options, including apprentice Jack Cleary, Ronan Whelan, and Ben Coen, who have all ridden for Ballydoyle this season. However, none possess the global reputation or big-race experience of Moore or Soumillon. The Irish Champions Festival, featuring stars like Auguste Rodin and Scandinavia, will test O’Brien’s depth, as will the St Leger and the Breeders’ Cup. Fans, meanwhile, are left grappling with the absence of Moore, whose quiet intensity and tactical brilliance have defined Ballydoyle’s dominance. Social media posts on X reflect the sentiment, with one fan writing, “Moore’s injury is a massive blow, but Soumillon’s a class act. Ballydoyle will still deliver.” Another speculated, “Could this open the door for Soumillon to stay long-term? Big shoes to fill.”

As Moore begins his recovery, the racing world watches closely. His history of battling through injuries, including a hip issue in 2016 and a neck injury in 2015, suggests he will return stronger, but the timeline remains uncertain. For now, O’Brien and Soumillon must navigate the storm, with the eyes of fans, bettors, and the racing fraternity firmly fixed on Ballydoyle’s next move. The question of who will replace Moore, both in the short and long term, lingers, but one thing is clear: the show must go on, and Ballydoyle’s legacy of excellence will not fade easily.