Willie Moore
1860 - 1922
1860 - 1922
Willie Henry Moore first saw the light of day in Moatfield, Tipperary, in 1860. The son of John Hubert Moore and younger brother of Grand National winning jockey Garrett ‘Garry’ Moore, he made his racing debut, aged 17, in the Munster Steeplechase Plate at Cork, finishing third on Toujours Pret before winning the Pump House Hurdle at Llandindrol Wells on Redskin.
Willie Henry Moore first saw the light of day in Moatfield, Tipperary, in 1860. The son of John Hubert Moore and younger brother of Grand National winning jockey Garrett ‘Garry’ Moore, he made his racing debut, aged 17, in the Munster Steeplechase Plate at Cork, finishing third on Toujours Pret before winning the Pump House Hurdle at Llandindrol Wells on Redskin.
The greater part of the 1880s he had spent in Germany where he managed the horses of his friend, Mr Ochlschlager, and won nearly all of the most important steeplechases including the big steeplechase at Baden Baden no less than five times. In 1884, he landed the unique Velka Pardubicka on Jessica.
The greater part of the 1880s he had spent in Germany where he managed the horses of his friend, Mr Ochlschlager, and won nearly all of the most important steeplechases including the big steeplechase at Baden Baden no less than five times. In 1884, he landed the unique Velka Pardubicka on Jessica.
Each winter he generally came back to England to ride for brother Garry who, having become a trainer, was responsible for a training yard in Walnut House, near Winchester, where Harry Goater, who rode Sir Charles to win the 1851 Royal Hunt Cup, had lived and later trained for many years.
Each winter he generally came back to England to ride for brother Garry who, having become a trainer, was responsible for a training yard in Walnut House, near Winchester, where Harry Goater, who rode Sir Charles to win the 1851 Royal Hunt Cup, had lived and later trained for many years.
In 1888, Willie won the Great Metropolitan Steeplechase and the Manchester Handicap Steeplechase on Johnny Longtail. His best wins included Jolly Boy in the 1888 Valentine Chase and Theodolite in the Kempton Champion Hurdle. He was also twice placed in the Grand National.
In 1888, Willie won the Great Metropolitan Steeplechase and the Manchester Handicap Steeplechase on Johnny Longtail. His best wins included Jolly Boy in the 1888 Valentine Chase and Theodolite in the Kempton Champion Hurdle. He was also twice placed in the Grand National.
When trainer Jousiffe died, Garry took over his stables at Severn Barrows, Lambourne; Willie, meanwhile, stayed on at Walnut House to become one of the greatest trainers of his day.
When trainer Jousiffe died, Garry took over his stables at Severn Barrows, Lambourne; Willie, meanwhile, stayed on at Walnut House to become one of the greatest trainers of his day.
He sent out three Grand National winners; Why Not 1894, The Soarer 1896 and Manifesto 1899.
He sent out three Grand National winners; Why Not 1894, The Soarer 1896 and Manifesto 1899.
In later years Willie put on a lot of weight and became cantankerous.
In later years Willie put on a lot of weight and became cantankerous.
He died at Drogheda, Co Louth, on March 10, 1922.
He died at Drogheda, Co Louth, on March 10, 1922.
Best wins:
Best wins:
1883: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Lady of the Lake
1883: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Lady of the Lake
1884: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Bell Tower
1884: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Bell Tower
1884: Velka Pardubicka - Jessica
1884: Velka Pardubicka - Jessica
1886: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Adare
1886: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Adare
1887: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Adare
1887: Old Baden Hunt Chase - Adare
1888: Great Metropolitan Chase - Johnny Longtail
1888: Great Metropolitan Chase - Johnny Longtail
1888: Valentine Chase - Jolly Boy
1888: Valentine Chase - Jolly Boy
1890: Kempton Champion Hurdle - Theodolite
1890: Kempton Champion Hurdle - Theodolite
