Who Could Replace Ryan Moore at Coolmore?
With news breaking over the weekend that Ryan Moore will miss the rest of the season due to a leg injury, debate has quickly turned to who might step in to ride Coolmore's powerful string of horses.
While Moore is expected to make a full recovery and return to action, speculation is also growing around the long-term picture and who could eventually succeed him as Coolmore's retained jockey.
At Free Bets, we've taken a closer look at four leading contenders who could one day take over the reins when Moore finally hangs up his saddle.
Four Potential Moore Replacements
Below are four likely candidates – drawn from the top ranks in Britain and Ireland and abroad – who fit the bill.
We've ranked them by immediate readiness and long-term fit, noting each jockey's experience, Group 1 record, ties to Coolmore/Ballydoyle, and any industry buzz about their prospects.
Colin Keane – Irish Champion with Coolmore Connections
Colin Keane is Ireland's dominant Flat jockey of recent years – a six-time Irish Champion who has led the standings every year since 2020.
He first grabbed Coolmore's attention in 2020 when he deputised for Moore during travel restrictions, even becoming odds-on in betting markets to take over Ballydoyle's top job at the time.
Keane justified the hype by scoring his first Classic win in 2020 on Siskin in the Irish 2000 Guineas and later that summer rode Even So to win the Irish Oaks for Coolmore's owners.
He has since accumulated 13 Group 1 victories, and trainer Ger Lyons, Keane's longtime mentor, praises him as "a world-class rider - the best there is".
Keane's riding style – tactically astute and ice-cool under pressure – mirrors many of Moore's strengths.
He's proven in big fields on stiff tracks and has won top races at home and abroad, including Breeders' Cup events).
At roughly the same age Moore was when he got the job, Keane offers both immediate class and a potential decade-long tenure at the top.
The only wrinkle is his recent appointment as Juddmonte's retained rider.
However, if Coolmore comes calling with the number-one jockey position, it could be an opportunity that's hard to refuse for Keane.
Oisin Murphy – British Champion & Globetrotting Big-Race Rider
Oisin Murphy has already been Champion Jockey of Britain four times - in 2019, 2020, 2021, and again in 2024, marking him as one of the UK's most accomplished riders of the modern era.
He burst onto the scene in his early 20s and quickly became the retained rider for Qatar Racing, a role in which he won a plethora of major races.
Murphy's CV includes two British Classic victories – the 2,000 Guineas in 2000 with Kameko and the 1,000 Guineas in 2023 with Mawj – as well as big international wins such as the Japan Cup and the Breeders' Cup Classic.
These achievements underscore Murphy's adaptability to various horses, tracks, and riding styles worldwide.
In terms of raw talent and big-race temperament, Murphy is an ideal fit for Ballydoyle's top job.
He is a strong tactical rider known for sharp race positioning and powerful finishes – attributes well-suited to Coolmore's often late-running Classic horses.
He's also no stranger to pressure, and he has handled the expectations of being a stable jockey to high-profile operations.
While Murphy hasn't been formally attached to Coolmore yet, he has indirectly been part of their orbit, competing against and sometimes beating Ballydoyle horses on the biggest days.
His globe-trotting success matches Coolmore's international ambitions, however his well-pubicised issues away from the racecourse, may be enough to negate the positives he undoubtedly has.
James McDonald – World's Top Jockey & International Wildcard
Still only 33, James "J-Mac" McDonald is a superstar of the Southern Hemisphere who has earned global recognition as World's Best Jockey in 2022 and 2024.
Based in Australia, the New Zealand-born McDonald has already ridden over 100 Group 1 winners in five countries – an extraordinary tally that includes multiple Cox Plates, Golden Slippers, and a Royal Ascot victory on Nature Strip in the King's Stand.
McDonald's talent, marked by expert timing and a vigorous finish, has drawn comparisons to the greats - he is often ranked alongside Moore and Frankie Dettori in contemporary jockey rankings.
Notably, he has some prior linkage to Coolmore - McDonald rode the Coolmore-owned sprinter Home Affairs to a Group 1 win in Australia and partnered with the stable's horses during international meets.
Recruiting James McDonald would be a bold move that signals global intent.
At 33, he is in his prime and could serve as a long-term retained rider if he were willing to relocate to Europe.
He brings a truly international riding style, having competed at the highest level on both left- and right-handed tracks, on turf and dirt, and against deep international competition.
This versatility suits Coolmore's routine of targeting big races worldwide, such as the Breeders' Cup and the Japan Cup.
In terms of accolades, McDonald's recent Longines World's Best Jockey title (2024) speaks volumes – he edged Ryan Moore for that honour, 160 points to 150.
That suggests he's already matching Moore's performance on the world stage.
The key question is "fit" and availability - McDonald currently enjoys superstar status in Australia with a lifestyle and success there to match, so prying him away would require a compelling offer.
However, Coolmore's retained jockey position – riding Europe's best Thoroughbreds in Classics and Arcs – could be a unique lure.
Industry speculation has not heavily linked McDonald to the job, but on merit alone, he belongs in the conversation.
Rossa Ryan – Talented Big-Race Rider on the Rise
Rossa Ryan has quickly emerged as one of the most dependable young jockeys in Britain and Ireland.
His breakthrough came in 2023 when he landed Classic success in the 1,000 Guineas aboard Mawj for Saeed bin Suroor, and he has since added multiple Group race wins to his name.
Ryan is admired for his polished riding style, tactical awareness, and calmness in high-pressure situations – attributes that align perfectly with Coolmore's demands.
He has built strong relationships with leading trainers, including Ralph Beckett and Kevin Philippart de Foy, and is already viewed as one of the brightest young talents on the circuit.
Ryan has the mix of experience and youthful hunger that would appeal to Coolmore.
At just 24, he has many peak years ahead of him, but he has already shown he can handle Classic and Group 1 pressure.
His natural horsemanship and tactical nous would allow him to adapt seamlessly to Ballydoyle's international programme.
While not yet directly tied to Coolmore, his rapid upward trajectory means he could be trusted to lead the operation into a new era, offering both longevity and proven big-race temperament.
Conclusion - Readiness v Long-Term Fit
In ranking these candidates, Colin Keane and Oisin Murphy stand out as the most ready-made replacements, combining youth with top-level experience in Europe.
Keane offers seamless continuity with an Irish base and prior Coolmore collaborations, while Murphy brings the proven calibre of a British champion with international savvy.
James McDonald represents a more global, strategic option – slightly less familiar with European day-to-day racing but arguably at the very peak of the sport, young enough to build a dynasty at Ballydoyle.
Rossa Ryan has rapidly developed into one of the UK's most dependable big-race riders, already trusted by major owners, marking him as a long-term investment with extraordinary potential.
Ultimately, Coolmore must weigh experience against future-proofing. Whether opting for an established star like Keane or Murphy, or grooming a rising talent like Ryan.
One thing is clear however, the operation's next retained rider will inherit huge pressure, but also the horsepower to thrive.
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