Historic First: Father and Son Jockeys to Compete Against Each Other in The King’s Plate

TORONTO, ​ August 13, 2025– History will be made at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, August 16, when David Moran and Pietro Moran become the first father and son jockeys to ever compete against each other in The King’s Plate, Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race.

The King’s Plate, now in its 166th running, is the longest continuously run Thoroughbred race in North America and is the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. This year’s edition adds a unique chapter to its storied history, as a father and son will both be in the race, each vying for a place in racing history.

Coincidently, Pietro and David will be next to each other in the King’s Plate starting gate. Pietro will ride Kevin Attard-trained Mansetti (10-1) from post-one, and David will start from post-two with William T (20-1) trained by Don MacRae.

“Competing in The King’s Plate is important to every jockey,” said David. “To be here alongside my son, both of us with the same ambition to win The Plate is a very special feeling.”

For Pietro, riding against his father in the nation’s biggest race is both a challenge and an honour.

“I grew up watching him race and learning from him,” he said. “Now we get to share this moment together on the sport’s biggest stage—it’s surreal.”

The milestone underscores the deep family traditions and generational ties that run through the horse racing industry, where knowledge, skill, and passion are often passed down from parent to child.

“Moments like this remind us that The King’s Plate is not just about competition—it’s about history, heritage, and the people who make our sport so special,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to witness this remarkable family achievement.”

David Moran is from Templemore, Ireland and started his racing journey in 1999. He made several visits to race at Woodbine in 2009 and 2019 before moving full-time to Canada in 2011 and immediately becoming a prominent rider at the Toronto track. David Moran notably won the 2010 Woodbine Oaks and has won 14 graded stakes to date.

David Moran is a father of eight children (four boys and four girls).

Pietro Moran, 20, is the second oldest of the eight Moran children. Following in his father’s footsteps, Pietro Moran launched his racing career at the age of 18 in 2023, winning four of 20 races. He then put together a strong 2024, winning 62 races and earning a Sovereign Award nomination as Canada’s Top Apprentice Jockey. Pietro Moran’s 2024 season was cut short due to a racing injury in September, however, he’s come back stronger and currently leads all riders in wins for 2025 with 66.

The $1 million 2025 King’s Plate will be contested at Woodbine Racetrack at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. Canadians can watch the race live on City TV and Sportsnet. Tickets for the King’s Plate are nearly sold out and can be purchased on Ticketmaster or by visiting KingsPlate.com.