BEFORE a meaningful classic trial was even run, the flat season already had one of its major stories of the year with the news that Ryan Moore was to become Coolmore’s senior rider, giving him the pick of a multitude of stars.

Deservedly acclaimed as the best jockey in the world, Moore fitted in seamlessly to his new role and his association with Aidan O’Brien paid immediate dividends. The pair’s first major weekend together yielded an English 2000 Guineas triumph with Gleneagles – a record equalling seventh win in the race for O’Brien – and they shared nine Group 1 triumphs over the course of 2015.