Ryan Moore wasted little time getting back into the bullpen on his return from injury, hitting his second drive at Lingfield on Wednesday.
The Ballidoile number one has been sidelined since the end of August with a stress fracture in his femur, missing out on the chance to add to his decorated CV in the latter stages of the Flat Traf season as Aidan O’Brien’s string dominated the main events.
He came close to a perfect comeback when George Bouhi’s 11-8 favorite Sovereign Wealth was thwarted late in the opener. Always Gamble Responsible At BetMGM Nursery Handicap.
He didn’t have to wait long to set the record straight, however, as he seized the initiative on Richard Hughes’ 1-2 favorite Lazzaro in the Join The Midnite Movement Novice Stakes and never looked like being denied in a half-length triumph.
Moore said Ski Sports Racing: “It’s been a while so it’s good to be back.”
Moore’s return to action comes in time for the Hong Kong International races on December 14, with O’Brien training in Los Angeles and Lion in Winter set to be staged in Sha Tin.
He has also been announced by the Hong Kong Jockey Club as a possible participant in the Happy Valley International Jockey Championships on 10 December.
Moore said: “We’ve got some runners there on Sunday and I’ll be riding at Happy Valley next week.
“The International Jockey Championship is on Wednesday and I’m looking forward to it.