🔥 SHOCKWAVES IN HORSE RACING: Ryan Moore and William Buick Break Records with Historic Contract Signing That Ignites Global Turf War
In an unprecedented moment that has sent shockwaves across the global horse racing community, Ryan Moore and William Buick have officially signed what insiders are calling the “most expensive contract in horse racing history.” The eye-watering figures behind the deal, quietly negotiated over the past several months, have finally been revealed—and they are nothing short of astonishing. This move, orchestrated by the newly-formed Global Jockey Federation (GJF), has ignited a power struggle that could forever reshape the future of elite equestrian sports
According to high-level sources close to the negotiations, the joint contract between Moore and Buick is valued at a staggering $75 million over five years, including appearance fees, brand partnerships, and exclusive riding rights for top-tier global races. While exact clauses remain confidential, the contract guarantees both jockeys first-pick mounts in major events across the U.K., U.S., Middle East, and Asia—effectively giving them near-total dominance in global turf circuits.
The announcement came just days before the start of August’s elite race calendar, instantly throwing other jockey agencies, owners, and trainers into a frenzy. For fans and pundits alike, this is more than a money move. It’s a strategic power shift—a warning shot from the GJF to traditional racing institutions like the British Horseracing Authority and the Jockey Club.
“This isn’t just a contract. This is war,” commented a racing executive who asked to remain anonymous. “For decades, power in this sport rested with legacy owners and race organizers. Now, with this contract, the power shifts to the riders—and the GJF knows exactly what it’s doing.”
Social media lit up within minutes of the news breaking. Hashtags like #MooreMoney, #BuickEmpire, and #JockeyWar began trending globally. Fans celebrated the new “player empowerment era,” while critics accused the GJF of “corporatizing a sport rooted in nobility and tradition.”
But perhaps the most telling response came from other elite jockeys, many of whom have now expressed frustration at being sidelined. Irad Ortiz Jr., currently dominating the Saratoga leaderboard, cryptically posted, “Legacy can’t be bought. Let’s see who still wins when the gates open.” Meanwhile, Frankie Dettori—himself no stranger to high-stakes contracts—reportedly rejected an offer from the GJF earlier this year, a decision that now appears more strategic than sentimental.
As for Moore and Buick, both have remained characteristically quiet. Moore, known for letting his racing speak louder than headlines, was last seen training in Newmarket, while Buick is expected to make his first post-contract appearance at York next week. Behind the scenes, though, both are now arguably the most powerful figures in modern racing—not just athletes, but influencers of the sport’s direction.
Trainers and owners are already adapting. Some are considering exclusive alliances with the GJF to gain access to Moore and Buick’s talents. Others fear the ripple effect could lead to a fragmentation of the global racing schedule, with rival federations potentially forming to compete with GJF-backed events.
One thing is certain: this contract is more than numbers. It’s a statement—a challenge to the old guard, and a glimpse into the future of competitive horse racing where riders are no longer just employees but brands, forces, and dealmakers.
Whether this power shift will elevate the sport or divide it remains to be seen. But for now, August 1st will be remembered not for a race, but for a signature—one that changed everything.
