Ryan Moore marked his return from injury with a double at Lingfield on Wednesday, highlighted by victory in the feature BetMGM Winter Oaks Trial Fillies’ Handicap aboard Morrophore.
The Ballydoyle number one has been out of action since late August with a stress fracture in his femur, missing out on partnering the likes of juvenile stars Diamond Necklace, Precise, Puerto Rico and Gstaad to top-level glory, while he was also absent for the career swansong of Delacroix.
Back on track in Surrey, Moore came close to the perfect return when George Boughey’s 11-8 favourite Sovereign Wealth was thwarted late in the opening Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Nursery Handicap.
However, he did not have to wait long to correct the record, as he took the initiative aboard Richard Hughes’ 1-2 favourite Lazzar in the following Join The Midnite Movement Novice Stakes and never looked like being denied in a half-length triumph.
Moore told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s been a while so it’s good to be back.”
He then finished fourth aboard Evening Fades for William Haggas in the Win 250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals EBF Restricted Maiden Fillies’ Stakes before pouncing late aboard John and Thady Gosden’s 5-4 favourite Morrophore in the meeting’s main event.
Moore, who was out of luck on his final ride of the day, is now looking forward to a trip to Hong Kong next week, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Los Angeles and The Lion In Winter entered for the Vase and Mile respectively at the International meeting on Sunday week.
