“Moore was the best. He had great hands and great judgment. He was out on his own”. (Tommy Smith)
Born in Mackay, Queensland, Moore teamed up with trainer T.J. (Tommy) Smith to form one of the most formidable trainer-jockey combinations in Australian racing history.
Moore dominated the Sydney racing scene winning 10 Jockeys' Premierships between 1957 and 1969. He won five AJC and two VRC Derbies, two W.S. Cox Plates, three Sydney Cups and two Golden Slippers. His tally of 119 Group 1 victories stands as an Australian record.
Moore also proved himself on the international stage winning the 1967 Epsom Derby and the 1959 Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe as well as a French Derby, English 1000 and 2000 Guineas and the Ascot Gold Cup.
His last race ride was a victory on Classic Mission in the 1971 VRC Derby. He later became the leading trainer in Hong Kong for many years before retiring to the Gold Coast.
His achievements in racing were acknowledged with the introduction of the George Moore Medal which is presented annually to Sydney's outstanding jockey.
Image Source: Erin McQuillan