UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH JONATHAN MOORE
WHAT To be was a successful your childhood jump jockey. ambition?
Growing up, who was your sporting hero?
Ruby Walsh.
What or where is your happy place?
The golf course!
What sparked your love of racing?
My grandfather, Paddy Moore, had a keen interest in racing, and he had me watching racing at home from a young age.
Do you have a mentor?
Mosie McCabe, my local trainer at home in Wexford, is always at the other end of the phone for me if I need advice or an opinion. I started riding out for him when I was twelve or 13 and he has always been very supportive.
What horse put you on the map?
Three of my first five winners were on a horse called Shabra’s Bertolini, trained by Anthony McCann in Monaghan. A special mention would have to go to Irish Cavalier as well. He won the Guinness Handicap Chase at the 2016 Punchestown Festival for Rebecca Curtis – he propelled my career onto a bigger stage.
Who is your favourite horse?
I will always have fond memories of Irish Cavalier, and currently Darver Star would have to be my favourite. What was it like to ride in your first race?
My first ride was for Gordon Elliott on the Flat on a horse called Wikaala at Bellewstown in August, 2010. It was a surreal experience and I came a decent third, which made it better.
Describe the feeling of riding your first winner?
Relief more than anything because it took me nearly four years to do it.
How long does it take to learn race riding tactics?
I would say you would have to have 50 rides before you really know what is going on around you, and being race aware.
What is your most memorable racing moment?
Winning the prestigious Charlie Hall Chase in Wetherby on Irish Cavalier in October, 2016.
What is your favourite racecourse in Ireland?
Leopardstown, but I also like my home track in Wexford.
If you weren’t a jockey what would you be?
Probably a farmer as I’m from a dairy farm in Adamstown.
If you could ride one horse, what would it be?
Altior.
How do you cope with pressure?
I quite enjoy it really; I find a bit of pressure keeps me on the ball! How Wanting do you the stay best motivated? for my two daughters keeps me motivated.
How do you deal with dips in form?
Work harder. It’s not going to come to you, so you have to go and get it.
Outside of racing, what is your favourite sporting moment?
The Wexford hurlers winning Leinster last year and being in Croke Park to witness it, a great day.
Can you give us a Netflix/film recommendation?
The Last Dance about Michael Jordan’s career and the 1990s Chicago Bulls.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate fudge cake and ice cream.
Desert island discs – name your favourite three songs?
John Mayer – Free Fallin’; Johnny Cash – Hurt; One Republic – Counting Stars.
What person do you admire the most and why?
My father, for staying motivated to milk cows 365 days of the year!
Favourite dinner?
Mashed spuds and rashers.
What is the hidden gem of Wexford?
Carrickbyrne Hill is a great spot for runs and walks to clear the head. springs When Family, to you friends, mind? think and of your Adamstown home, what G.A.A. immediately club.
What To have ambitions a Grade 1 do winner. you still I have have? hit the crossbar a good How few are you times occupying now. your time during Covid restrictions?
Riding out three mornings in Gavin Cromwell’s and spending quality time with my two daughters and fiancé, Charmaine.
What would be your one piece of advice in the current crisis?
Follow guidelines and we will get through this quicker!
If you were to go back to yourself at 20 and give yourself 1 piece of advice, what would it be?
I’m only 26 now and I’m kind of happy with the decisions I’ve made since I was 20, but I’d just say patience and hard work are essential.
Favourite saying/quote?
When things are going bad, you’re never as bad as they say you are, and when you are going good, you’re never as good as they say you are.
Our thanks to Barbara White, PR and Events Manager with Horse Racing Ireland, for her help with this feature.