Two Australian Group 1-winning jockeys are set to join the Hong Kong riding ranks, with Luke Currie and Daniel Moor confirming on Monday that they will be leaving Melbourne.
Both jockeys were successful at the highest level in Melbourne during the 2021 calendar year, with Currie partnering Artorius in the Blue Diamond Stakes, while Moor rode a Group 1 treble during the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
Artorius…from the clouds in the Blue Diamond
pic.twitter.com/RQzlGYd2oY
— 7HorseRacing
(@7horseracing) February 20, 2021
Moor celebrated his first Australian Group 1 on his 37th birthday in September, when he partnered Sierra Sue in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, just six days before he scored again at Group 1 level aboard Wild Ruler in the Moir Stakes.
“A new year, a new challenge,” Moor posted on Twitter.
“I must thank all the stables & owners that have supported me to get to this point.
“Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible.
“Sincerely grateful to @HKJC_Racing for the opportunity.”
The Hong Kong Jockey Club released Jockeys’ Profiles for the pair, labelling Moor as a “natural lightweight”, while Currie’s international experience in Mauritius, Malaysia and Singapore is set to see him fit in well.
“Australian jockey Luke Currie, aged 40, has enjoyed a highly successful riding career,” the Press Release read.
“Jockey Currie has ridden 45 Group winners including 13 Group 1’s with 11 of those achieved in the last 4 years.
“These Group 1 wins include the 2017 and 2020 Manikato Stakes, the 2019 and 2021 Blue Diamond Stakes and the 2021 VRC Newmarket.
“Jockey Currie has ridden a total of 1378 winners with a current winning strike rate of 10%.
“Jockey Currie has gained international experience having ridden in Mauritius, Malaysia and Singapore.
“Jockey Currie has advised his minimum riding weight as 119 lbs (54kg).”
It is said that Currie is prepared to head to Hong Kong at short notice, suggesting that his riding days in Australia may very well be over.
“Australian jockey Daniel Moor, aged 37, is a natural lightweight and is able to ride comfortably at 113 lbs,” the HKJC said.
“Jockey Moor is just off the back of a very successful Melbourne Spring Carnival in which he rode his three Group 1 winners.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANIEL MOOR!
SIERRA SUE wins the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
@daniel_moor @busuttin pic.twitter.com/dUeOArBW3N
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 18, 2021
“He has ridden a total of 24 Group and Listed races including the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (JONKER), Moir Stakes (Wild Ruler) and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Sierra Sue).
“Jockey Moor has ridden a total of 941 winners with a current winning strike rate of 8%.”
The two jockeys are required to quarantine in Hong Kong for a period of three weeks before they are able to begin riding.
