Star jockey Ryan Moore is Betfair's latest big name signing. One of Flat racing's finest jockeys, Ryan promises honest verdicts on all his rides and forthright opinions on the main issues in the sport throughout the coming season. Welcome to Betfair, Ryan!
Welcome to my first Betfair column.
Most of you will be aware that I don't have the reputation of being the most talkative and vociferous member of the weighing room but I think I may just surprise a few people in this space this season.
Firstly though, I would like to thank the BHA for relaxing the rules to allow myself, and other jockeys, to write these columns that will hopefully better inform punters.
However, I would like to set expectations here.
If you want to read a jockey criticise all and sundry, then I am not your man. I am not a person to upset anyone for no good reason, or say things for effect.
And I don't think I will shock many people by stating that sometimes a jockey simply cannot say too much, for obvious and various reasons.
I know my fellow Betfair colleague Paul Nicholls is famed for his open approach - and he is a very hard act for me to follow - but trainers often have just themselves to answer to and there are added sensibilities with jockeys in that we deal with agents, owners, racing managers and trainers, as well as other sections of the industry.
The fact is that jockeys juggle more balls than most in this game. And we have to be very careful not to stick one in our own net, as trust can quickly be lost. Everyone riding today will tell you that.
But what you will get from me is my honest analysis of all the horses I ride, and the races they run in.
This will probably get me some stick in the weighing room but I would like to think that I have as good a grasp on the form book as anyone riding today and I take a keen interest in international and US racing, too.
To be successful and make informed choices when riding at big meetings at home and abroad, you have to constantly do your homework and have a world outlook.
And if something needs to be said on industry issues or topics of the day, and I can add to the debate and have something worthwhile to say, then I will not fight shy.
For example, I have my own, strong thoughts on the whip, and doubtless that is a subject I will be focusing on from time to time this season. I still think the rules are a work in progress, but more of that at a later date.
My column will be starting proper at the start of the Craven meeting but on Saturday morning I will run you through all my rides at the Dubai World Cup meeting and my idea of the likely winners in each race.
I have had my injury problems in the past two campaigns, but I start the season very fit and I am raring to go. Let's hope Dubai can set me up nicely for the season ahead.
But more of that next month, starting at the big Newmarket meeting in mid-April.
Come the Craven meeting, I'll be letting you know which horses I'm most looking forward to riding in 2012, my thoughts on the jockeys championship and how I split my time between the big trainers I'm fortunate to ride for.
It's good to be on board, if you pardon the pun.
http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/ryan-moore/
