Moore to take cautious approach to regional hubs while Goshen given Ebor target

Leading dual-purpose trainer Gary Moore is to take a cautious approach when racing resumes, which could see few runners from his yard competing at the proposed racing hubs.

The resumption of racing may be initially behind closed doors, and could likely involve only a few tracks staging meetings with races being restricted to 12 runners and jockeys, stable staff and officials staying on-site or at nearby accommodation.

Moore – who is father to jockeys Ryan, Jamie and Josh and Sky Sports Racing presenter Hayley – is wary of the potential risks involved for all of his team at Cisswood Stables if they were to have runners in that first phase. He plans to be selective about declaring horses in the initial period when the sport recommences.

"I'd take a look and see what races are on and if our horses were ready. I couldn't say for sure what we'll do but, to be honest, I'd need everything to be right for the horses," Moore said.

"We've never had anything like this before, it's completely new to us and the sooner it is all over the better. A lot of people are dying, which is very sad, so we have to be cautious.

"The sooner racing starts the better, obviously, but I'm not too keen on the [hubs] idea. I'd be happy to wait and get on with it properly, not just the odd tracks but get the whole show back on the road. The idea of stablelads and jockeys in hotels and hostels doesn't sound right.

"What they're doing isn't very straightforward and health has to come first."

The trainer also fears for the state of the industry as racing recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. He expects plenty of owners and trainers to leave due to financial pressures.

"I think they'll be quite a few people going out of racing after this," added Moore. "Not just owners but trainers too. There's plenty of horses for sale.

"People don't have to have racehorses and I fear we'll be taxed quite heavily after this situation. Racing is a luxury but a luxury you don't have to have so we have to be careful."

Goshen: rated 158 over hurdles and 88 on the FlatCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ebor aim for juvenile hurdling ace Goshen

The £1 million Sky Bet Ebor is a potential target for Moore's stable star Goshen, who is to try and exploit of an attractive Flat handicap mark of 88.

Goshen enjoyed a sensational campaign over hurdles last season, which culminated in an infamous final-flight unseat when leading the Triumph Hurdle by a wide margin. His mark of 158 over hurdles has left his trainer eyeing some big handicap prizes on the Flat.

Moore said: "We're hoping to get him back whenever the Flat gets going. The Ebor is one of his targets but at the moment he won't get in. It's all ground dependent but it's certainly something we're looking at if we can get a run into him before and he went up in the handicap.

Watch Goshen in the Triumph Hurdle

"I'd hope he's pretty well handicapped on the Flat but time will tell. He's rated 158 over hurdles so he should equate to a bit more on the Flat. We certainly hope so."

However getting back to next season's Cheltenham Festival is the priority for Goshen. Bookmakers rate him a general 5-1 chance for next season's Unibet Champion Hurdle.

"We'd love to run on the Flat but only if it's right for him as we want him over hurdles," added Moore. "It's a tough season for four-year-olds but hopefully he can prove a bit better. The Champion Hurdle is in the back of our mind."

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