In an unforgettable moment at the 2025 International Jockey Awards, Ryan Moore, one of horse racing’s most celebrated figures, claimed the prestigious Jockey of the Year award, an honor steeped in emotion and tradition. The ceremony, held at Ascot Racecourse, was a glittering affair, drawing the sport’s elite to celebrate the grit, skill, and heart of its finest riders. But it wasn’t Moore’s victory that sent shockwaves through the room and across social media feeds worldwide—it was the raw, unexpected words he shared about his fans, a group he described as the backbone of his career. His statement, delivered with uncharacteristic vulnerability, has sparked conversations, debates, and a surge of admiration from the horse racing community and beyond.

Ryan Moore, the 42-year-old Irish jockey, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a career spanning over two decades, he has ridden more than 3,000 winners, including multiple victories in the Epsom Derby, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and Breeders’ Cup. Known for his stoic demeanor and laser-focused professionalism, Moore has long been a figure of quiet intensity, letting his results on the track speak louder than any press conference. Yet, on the night of August 9, 2025, as he stood before a packed audience clutching the Jockey of the Year trophy, something shifted. The typically reserved Moore opened up in a way few had seen before, delivering a speech that was as heartfelt as it was surprising.

The Jockey of the Year award, voted on by a panel of racing journalists, trainers, and former jockeys, is more than a marker of wins. It recognizes the rider who embodies the spirit of the sport—resilience, dedication, and an ability to connect with the horses and the fans who fuel the industry. Moore’s 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He secured 87 Group 1 victories, a record-breaking haul that included a historic sweep of the British Classics. His partnership with the colt Desert Storm, trained by Aidan O’Brien, was a highlight, with the pair dominating the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and St Leger. These achievements alone made Moore a shoo-in for the award, but it was his words that stole the show.

As Moore took the stage, the crowd leaned in, expecting the usual measured gratitude from a man known for brevity. Instead, he paused, his eyes scanning the room before landing on a group of fans in the back, clad in racing silks and waving banners with his name. “I’ve never said this before, and I probably won’t again,” Moore began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “You lot, the fans who show up rain or shine, who cheer even when I’m on a 20-1 outsider, you’re the ones who keep me going. You never give up on me, even when I doubt myself. And trust me, I’ve doubted plenty.”

The room fell silent. For a jockey known for his guarded nature, this was a revelation. Moore went on to describe the letters, social media messages, and shouts from the grandstands that have sustained him through grueling seasons and personal challenges. “I read every one of those letters,” he said. “The ones that tell me about how you saved up to bet on my horse, or how you drove hours to see me ride—those mean more than any trophy. You’re not just fans; you’re the heartbeat of this sport.” His words, raw and unpolished, struck a chord, igniting a wave of applause that lasted nearly a minute.

The statement resonated deeply because it peeled back the curtain on Moore’s private struggles. In a rare interview with Racing Post earlier this year, he hinted at the toll of the sport—endless travel, injuries, and the pressure to perform at an elite level. Yet, he rarely spoke of the fans’ role in his journey until this moment. “I’m not good at showing it,” he admitted on stage, “but knowing you’re out there, believing in me, it’s what gets me out of bed when the odds feel stacked against me.”

The reaction was immediate. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, exploded with clips of Moore’s speech, shared by fans, racing pages, and even casual observers moved by his sincerity. Hashtags like #RyanMooreFans and #JockeyOfTheYear trended globally, with thousands of users posting about their own experiences cheering for Moore. One fan, Sarah Thompson from Dublin, wrote, “I’ve been following Ryan since his first Derby win in 2010. To hear him acknowledge us like that—it’s like he sees us, really sees us.” Another, James Patel, shared a photo of his family at Royal Ascot, holding a sign that read “Moore the Merrier,” with the caption, “He’s right—we never give up on him.”

Industry insiders were equally stunned. Trainer Aidan O’Brien, Moore’s longtime collaborator, told Sky Sports Racing, “Ryan’s not one for big speeches, but that was from the heart. He knows how much the fans drive this sport, and he meant every word.” Former jockey Frankie Dettori, who presented the award, added, “I’ve known Ryan for years, and I’ve never seen him like that. It’s a reminder that even the toughest of us need the crowd behind us.”

Moore’s speech also sparked a broader conversation about the role of fans in horse racing, a sport that thrives on its passionate community. Unlike mainstream sports like football or basketball, horse racing relies heavily on its loyal base, from bettors to families who make race days a tradition. Moore’s acknowledgment of their unwavering support highlighted a truth often overlooked: fans are the lifeblood of the sport, filling grandstands, placing bets, and keeping the industry alive. A recent study by the British Horseracing Authority found that 65% of racegoers attend events primarily to support specific jockeys or horses, underscoring the personal connection that drives attendance.

The timing of Moore’s statement couldn’t have been more poignant. Horse racing has faced challenges in recent years, from declining attendance in some regions to debates over animal welfare. Yet, moments like this remind the world why the sport endures. Moore’s words were a call to action, urging fans to keep showing up, to keep believing, even when the sport faces headwinds. “You’re the reason we keep going,” he said, addressing the fans directly. “Don’t ever think you don’t matter.”

As the dust settles on the 2025 Jockey Awards, Moore’s legacy is taking on a new dimension. No longer just the stoic champion with an unmatched record, he’s now the jockey who bared his soul, giving voice to the unspoken bond between rider and fan. His speech has already inspired countless posts, memes, and heartfelt messages across platforms like Facebook, where emotional content thrives. For those who’ve followed Moore’s career, from his early days at Coolmore to his global dominance, this moment feels like a turning point—a reminder that even the greatest need someone in their corner.

For fans planning to share this story, Moore’s words are a rallying cry. Whether you’re at the track or cheering from home, your support matters. As Moore himself put it, “You never give up on me, and I’ll never give up on you.” It’s a promise that will echo through the racing world for years to come, cementing his place not just as a champion on the track, but as a voice for the fans who make it all possible.