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Ryan Moore with Ping Hai Star

What Makes a Jockey Great? They Are Not Afraid to Lose!

SARGA.CO – An interesting perspective has once again emerged in the world of international horse racing: the courage to lose turns out to be the main factor that differentiates great jockeys from ordinary ones. It is no longer just about body balance, timing, or the ability to read the rhythm of a race — the courage to take risks is now considered the key to the success of world-class jockeys.

Ryan Moore with Ping Hai Star

According to former jockeys and horse racing analysts, as quoted from the Idol Horse website, many jockeys today tend to “ride safely” to avoid public criticism, pressure from stewards, and negative comments on social media. In contrast, great jockeys dare to make high-risk decisions in order to win races, even though such moves can put them under the spotlight if they fail.

Concrete Examples from Elite Tracks

The performance of Zac Purton at Sha Tin has become the latest highlight. In a race with Colourful King, Purton deliberately took a position at the very back to get the best path on the outside of the track. The strategy had a high risk of failure, but he chose to trust his instincts and successfully won the race thanks to that aggressive tactic.

Ryan Moore

A similar phenomenon once occurred with Ryan Moore, who is considered by many to be the most consistently courageous jockey. In the 2018 Hong Kong Derby with Ping Hai Star, Moore deliberately held his horse at the very back despite the risk of criticism if he failed to overtake. That decision ultimately led him to victory.

Social Media Pressure Becomes a New Challenge

Analysts say that today’s jockeys face heavier pressure than in previous eras. Every decision they make is immediately judged, while spectators often only see the final result without understanding the track conditions or the chosen strategy.

“Many criticisms are born out of ignorance. They are not on the track, they do not know the best lane, yet they still comment on the jockey’s decisions,” said a former jockey who is often cited as an industry opinion leader.

In addition to courage, top jockeys are also known for being disciplined in building communication with trainers and horse owners. Zac Purton is cited as the most prominent example in this regard. He regularly contacts trainers after races to ensure that he continues to get opportunities to ride the best horses.

Zac Purton
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