TORONTO, March 29, 2025— For Pietro Moran, son of jockeys David and Maria Moran, following in his parents’ footsteps was an easy decision. The natural-born rider made waves in 2024 when he piloted 62 mounts to victory, securing north of $2.2 million as a 19-year-old (361: 62-54-52). Pietro’s extraordinary efforts, highlighted by his first stakes triumph in June’s Belle Mahone (G3) aboard the Kevin Attard-trained Fashionably Fab, earned him a Sovereign Award nomination in the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey category. The strong-willed competitor took a moment to digest it all, including his upcoming appearance in season two of the award-winning docuseries Free Rein, ahead of the 50th Annual Sovereign Awards and 2025 Woodbine campaign. Fashionably Fab and jockey Pietro Moran winning the Belle Mahone Stakes (G3) at Woodbine on June 1, 2024 (Michael Burns Photo) Q: What does it mean to be up for the Top Apprentice Sovereign? A: “It’s an honour to be recognized with a great group of riders and apprentice riders. For me, it’s not just about the award. It’s very special to be named alongside all the horse people, owners, trainers, and everyone that works in the backside and the front side. It means more than the award itself.” Q: What did you learn about yourself as a person and jockey last year? A: “There are a lot of ups and downs, of which I experienced last year, but I know that I’m always going to come back stronger, keep working hard, and never give up. That’s what I try to take with me into this year, especially, and moving forward. “It pushes you to get back as soon as you can and as best as you can. That’s the beauty of it.” David Moran and Pietro Moran (Michael Burns Photo) Q: How invaluable is it to be able to talk to your father about racing every day? A: “He’s an option that I have open pretty much all the time. We can talk about anything, racing or not. To have that accessibility with my dad, who’s been in this game for so long and ridden many races, many winners, I can learn everything from him and get advice, not just on the racing part, but every aspect of the sport. “His greatest advice has been to give your best all the time and respect everyone and the horse. That’s the most important thing. You’re going to have your ups and downs, but you push through and don’t let that influence who you really are.” Q: When you think about the 2025 season, what goes through your mind? A: “A lot of emotions. I’m so excited, I can’t even put it into words. I’m just looking forward to it – and best of luck to everyone – but I know this year I’m going to give my all and hope for the best.” Q: You’re going to be profiled on Season 2 of Free Rein. What was it like to film that and talk about your horse racing journey? A: “It was amazing. Over the years, I’ve loved to watch the behind the scenes from any sport, especially horse racing. To be a part of this one was very cool and to work with the team and everyone, who was great, it was really exciting and I’m looking forward to when it comes out.” By Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
