'I'll carry the flag for the French' - Gerald Mosse bids for Leger Legends glory at Doncaster

Gerald Mosse : back in the saddle (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Legendary French jockey Gerald Mosse back in the saddle at DoncasterCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Just two months after his final ride as a professional, legendary French jockey Gerald Mosse is back in the saddle as one of 16 former riders from both codes to contest Doncaster's annual Leger Legends race, which this year is named after Graham Lee.

The 57-year-old brought the curtain down on his career at Chantilly on July 14 after more than 40 years of global success, which included Group 1 glory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Melbourne Cup, a hat-trick of French Derby victories and a record-equalling five French Oaks wins.

Mosse’s mount, the Brian Ellison-trained Hartur D'Oudairies, has yet to win on the Flat but is a two-time scorer over hurdles.

The former jockey said: "I always enjoyed riding in Britain, which is why I've accepted to come and ride. They told me Olivier Peslier was coming but in his absence I’ll carry the flag for the French, which I'll carry very high. It’s on the same day as the Arc Trials at Longchamp, which will be a bit strange as in previous years I would've been there."

On his chances of winning the mile contest on his first attempt, he added: "I’m very excited to come over but I know nothing about my mount other than he's a former jumper who has had three runs on the Flat. That is good to hear as if he’d come straight from the jumps I'd be crying. We’re drawn in 12, which they say might be the right part of the track to be."

Brian Ellison: has handed Gerald Mosse the ride at Doncaster on SundayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Back home, Mosse is even busier than when he was riding, and said: "I last rode on July 14 but I’ve not quit riding to go on holiday to Thailand or somewhere. Since then I’ve been preparing to become a trainer. I passed the licence and I’m very excited. I opened my yard on September 1 and we have four in already with two more coming this week.

"I ride out everyday still but I don’t really miss riding in a race as I’m so busy. As I have this new career I’m always on the move, but if I was at home on my sofa I'd probably feel differently."

Among Mosse’s rivals will be two-time scorer Sammy Jo Bell, who this year is on Hartswood, whilst last year’s winner Tom Scudamore will miss a follow up bid as his wife is about to give birth. His place on Secret Beach goes to Bridget Andrews.

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