BREEDERS' CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

November 3, 2023

Ryan Moore

Santa Anita Park

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We'll go ahead and get started with the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner, and that is Unquestionable. We have jockey Ryan Moore joining us right now. Ryan, congratulations, first of all. And a horse you're very familiar with. You rode him in all but one of his starts. If you can just take us through the race today and everything about this horse that makes him so special at such a big race today.

RYAN MOORE: Yeah, look, he's only ever had one bad race, and he had a legitimate excuse that day when he anticipated the start and then he lost his shoe. So it's a very hard thing to perform when things go against you.

He always showed quite a lot early on. He had a very good run in the Lagardère. He has been progressing. The slight step-up in trips suited him today. It's a horse with pace, and he was able to get a nice position and travel comfortably, and he always felt in control of the race.

He's probably more of a horse that I think has more progression in him. He doesn't ride like a sharp 2-year-old. He rides like a horse that's going to be better as he grows into his frame.

THE MODERATOR: I was going to ask you about the trip because you went to the inside and kind of lived by the inside rail to save all the ground. Was it that confidence in this horse, or is that kind of the way he likes to travel?

RYAN MOORE: Like, I was never really sure what was going to happen, but when the opportunity came to catch some cover and go the shortest way, I was delighted where I was.

Always happy that I had the horse tip out when I needed to, and he got to the front probably a little earlier than what was ideal, but he was always in control. He never fell under any threat, really.

THE MODERATOR: I'm going to open it up for questions.

Q. Ryan, given what is in that stable, have you ever been associated with anything quite as remarkable in terms of strength and depth?

RYAN MOORE: Yeah, we have a very exciting crop of 2-year-olds. We obviously have the two Justify's, City of Troy and Opera Singer. We've seen what those -- the other two Justify's have done today on the dirt and grass. We had two very exciting 3-year-olds -- well, 2-year-olds, but turning 3 next year, classic horses.

We have (indiscernible) was a bit disappointing last week, but I'm sure he will show himself to be better than that. To be honest, we do think an awful lot of River Tiber. There's another good horse there, which I can't remember at the moment, but there is a good one.

So we have a very strong group of 2-year-olds. Yeah, very much looking forward to seeing what they do next year.

Q. I'm curious how the conversation went this morning once River Tiber was out. Did Aidan call you? Did you call him? What was the genesis of --

RYAN MOORE: Aidan phoned me, and just bad news when you hear ringing at that time in the morning to say the horse is out. Look, I was lucky to be able to switch on to this horse. Yeah, it worked out for me today.

Q. (Off microphone)?

RYAN MOORE: I don't think there's anything wrong with the horse, but I don't know. I don't know. For me he scratched, and that's the end of it. There was nothing that was going to change then.

Q. Which horse are you most excited about tomorrow?

RYAN MOORE: Well, I have nice rides. Obviously Auguste Rodin is a horse that we hold in the highest regard. He's had his disappointments, but he's been brought in as well. He seems in good form. I think the race suits him well, so I'm looking forward to him.

We have Warm Heart as well, who she's been progressing all year. So two good chances.

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations, Ryan. Well done. Unquestionable.

RYAN MOORE: Thanks.