Like Father, Like Son:
How Pietro Moran is Making His Mark in Horse Racing

Pietro Moran finished 2024 with 62 wins and earnings of $2.2 million at age 19. His racing record of 361 mounts resulted in 62 wins, 54 second-place finishes, and 51 third-place finishes. (Pietro Moran Stats – Equibase)

The apprentice jockey became the first rider at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack to win $1 million in earnings on June 7, 2025, reaching the milestone 22 days into the Woodbine 2025 meet. His first stakes victory came in June’s Belle Mahone (G3) aboard Fashionably Fab, trained by Kevin Attard. This performance earned him a Sovereign Award nomination for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.

Pietro (June 25, 2025) leads all Woodbine jockey standings by wins for 2025.

Pietro, the son of jockeys David and Maria Moran, was born in Ireland and moved to Canada with his family at age six. He is pursuing a Kinesiology degree at the University of Guelph-Humber.

This article examines Pietro’s development under his father’s guidance, his path from apprentice to award nominee, and his recovery from injury.

Father and Son: David and Pietro Moran

David Moran has 14 seasons at Woodbine and 25 years of racing experience. The 2024 season brought him into direct competition with his son Pietro at the same track.

Competition on the Track

“I’ve got to try to get bragging rights by beating him the first time down the lane,” David said about racing against Pietro. “After that, he can have it. We don’t let each other win, even if it’s playing ball at home in the driveway. Someone’s got to lose.”

David brings 587 career wins and 40 stakes victories to these matchups. Pietro approaches their races with confidence despite his father’s experience. “He’s hiding something to try and get an edge, but I’ll find a way around it,” Pietro said. “It’s definitely something you don’t see every day. I can’t wait. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Training and Guidance

Pietro credits his father’s influence beyond racing. “I’m very lucky to have my dad,” he said, “not just as a jockey but as a person, as a father. He always leads me in the right direction. He tells me when I’ve done a good job. He corrects me when I’m wrong or when there’s something I can do better.”

David appreciates his son’s work ethic. “I see plenty of dedication, and that’s outstanding the way he trains,” he noted. “He has done all of the grunt work, he hasn’t expected anything to be handed to him, and I like that. It’s the good, old-school way of serving your apprenticeship, doing it correctly and earning it.”

Racing Knowledge

Pietro values his father’s experience in the sport. “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.”

David’s primary advice focuses on fundamentals. “His greatest advice has always been to give your best and respect everyone and the horse. That’s the most important thing. You’ll have your ups and downs, but you push through and don’t let that influence who you are.”

Pietro studies his father’s race tactics closely. “I’ve been able to watch my dad and go over all of the races he’s been in and see what he’s done. Kind of like being the jockey without actually riding the horse and just learn from there.”

Pietro Moran’s Development Path

Pietro began his racing career three years ago, galloping for trainer Mike Doyle at Woodbine. He has worked with Kevin Attard for the past two years, developing his riding skills. “I’ve been working horses, galloping, and learning at the gate a lot,” Pietro explains. “Everyone at the gate has been great to me and helped me to learn”. During Canadian winters, he worked at April LeBlanc’s farm, breaking young horses and racing miniature horses and ponies.

Belle Mahone Stakes Victory

Pietro won his first stakes race on June 1, 2024, piloting Fashionably Fab to victory in the CAD 188,103.63 Belle Mahone Stakes (G3) at Woodbine. The victory came in his first stakes attempt. “She’s a special filly. I’ve been on her, I’ve worked her since before she ever ran her first race, I’ve worked her from the gate”. The pair won by a neck in 1:43.73.

Education and Racing

Pietro continues his kinesiology studies at the University of Guelph-Humber while competing professionally. “Right now it’s not too bad,” he notes about managing both commitments. “I’ve had plenty of help within the school and here at the track to balance them both”. The academic background supports his athletic career: “because I can relate it to myself as an athlete, to be prepared physically and mentally”.

Industry Support

Trainer Kevin Attard, who provided Pietro’s first stakes opportunity, praises his work ethic: “Pietro’s worked for us for a few years now and not only is he a great jockey, but a better human being. I love this kid and he’s going to be a great rider”. Pietro recognizes this support: “I would like to say thank you to all those who have helped me… Nothing would’ve been possible without them there”.

Pietro’s Injury and Recovery

Pietro Moran’s 2024 season ended on September 10 when an accident at Fort Erie Racetrack resulted in a broken back and fractured rib.

The accident at Fort Erie

The spill occurred during a race at Fort Erie. Pietro underwent surgery to address his spinal injury. The rehabilitation process focused on regaining strength and mobility through a specialized program.

Pietro’s kinesiology studies provided insight into his recovery process. “The mental side of recovery is just as important as the physical,” Pietro said during rehabilitation. His father’s 25 years of career experience offered guidance during this period.

Rehabilitation process

The recovery plan included a gradual return to galloping horses before racing competition. Trainers Kevin Attard and Mike Doyle, who had been part of Pietro’s early development, supported his comeback efforts.

Pietro approached his first post-injury races, focusing on rebuilding confidence rather than immediate wins. His return to competition demonstrated his commitment to continuing his racing career and the family tradition in the sport.

The injury required both physical healing and mental preparation for return to racing. Pietro’s academic background in kinesiology helped him understand the rehabilitation requirements for his specific injuries.

Pietro Moran’s Future Plans

Pietro Moran continues to focus on his career goals following his injury recovery. The apprentice jockey has specific targets for his return to racing.

Award Recognition

Pietro’s Sovereign Award nomination in the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey category represents his first significant recognition. He aims to claim the Sovereign Award and compete for Eclipse Award consideration on the international stage.

Racing Ambitions

Pietro wants to compete in major North American races, including the Kentucky Derby. His father’s connections in Ireland offer potential opportunities for European racing, particularly at Royal Ascot. Pietro plans to establish his credentials in North America before exploring international circuits.

Education Goals

Pietro will complete his kinesiology degree at the University of Guelph-Humber. “The education helps me understand my body better as an athlete,” Pietro explains about his studies. His academic background supports his athletic development and injury recovery process.

Career Development

Pietro considers both riding and training opportunities for his long-term career. His kinesiology studies and racing experience provide a foundation for various roles within the horse racing industry.

Pietro Moran represents the next generation of Canadian jockeys. His 2024 season produced 62 wins, $2.2 million in earnings, and a Belle Mahone Stakes victory at age 19. His academic pursuits at the University of Guelph-Humber complement his racing career.

The father-son relationship between David and Pietro Moran creates a rare situation in Canadian horse racing. Both compete as active jockeys while maintaining their mentoring relationship. David’s 25-year career guides Pietro’s development.

Pietro’s injury at Fort Erie temporarily halted his season but demonstrated his resilience. His kinesiology background aids his understanding of the recovery process.

Pietro’s future goals include winning the Sovereign Award and competing internationally. His approach combines racing experience with academic knowledge. He plans to complete his degree while pursuing his riding career.

The Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada supports riders across the country. Pietro Moran’s career exemplifies the dedication required in thoroughbred racing. His family legacy continues through his achievements at Woodbine Racetrack and other Canadian tracks.

FAQs

Q1. Who is Pietro Moran, and what has he achieved in horse racing? Pietro Moran is a young Canadian jockey who, at just 19 years old, secured 62 wins and over $2.2 million in earnings in 2024. He won his first major stakes race, the Belle Mahone Stakes, and was nominated for a Sovereign Award in the Outstanding Apprentice Jockey category. Currently (June 25, 2025), he is the leading jockey at Woodbine racetrack for 2025.

Q2. How has Pietro’s father, David Moran, influenced his racing career? David Moran, an experienced jockey, has mentored Pietro, offering guidance on all aspects of horse racing. He has taught Pietro the importance of giving his best effort, respecting everyone involved in the sport, and persevering through ups and downs.

Q3. What challenges has Pietro Moran faced in his racing career? Pietro suffered a significant setback when he broke his back and fractured a rib in an accident at Fort Erie Racetrack. This injury required surgery and a period of rehabilitation, testing his mental and physical resilience as he worked towards his comeback.

Q4. How does Pietro balance his racing career with his education? Pietro is pursuing a Kinesiology degree at the University of Guelph-Humber while actively competing as a jockey. He credits the support from both his school and the racing community in helping him manage his studies alongside his racing commitments.

Q5. What are Pietro Moran’s future aspirations in horse racing? Pietro aims to win prestigious awards like the Sovereign and Eclipse Awards. He also dreams of competing in iconic international races like the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot. He envisions a sustainable career that might include both riding and potential training opportunities.

Jockeys Agent | Tom Patton | +1-416-892-5774 – Weight: 108 lbs

Photos compliments of Niagara Exposure Photography – Mary Jane Sibbitt

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• June 18, 2025 – ‘Baby-Faced Bandit’: 20-Year-Old Pietro Moran Is Canada’s Leading Jockey – By Carter Wilkie – Paulick Report
• March 29, 2025 – 5 Questions with Pietro Moran – By Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine
• November 8, 2025 – Top Apprentice Moran Excited for 2025 Woodbine Season – By Jennifer Morrison – Canadian Thoroughbred
• September 28, 2025 – Question and Answer with Apprentice Jockey Pietro Moran – Woodbine
• September 16, 2025 – ‘For Pietro’: Fashionably Fab Provides Emotional Win For Moran Family In Ontario Matron – Chris Lomon/Woodbine – Paulick Report
• September 12, 2025 – Apprentice jockey Pietro Moran sidelined after spill – Daily Racing Form
• August 22, 2024 – Apprentice Jockey Pietro Moran is set to race in his first ever King’s Plate on Friday – Video Clip
• June 7, 2024 – PARROT MOUTH: Pietro Moran is going places – you read it here first – By Mark Costello – The Irish Field
• June 1, 2024 – X- Apprentice jockey Pietro Moran wins his first career stakes race…in his first career stakes ride! – By Woodbine Communications
• May 26, 2024 – Ride of the day came from apprentice Pietro Moran with Pat’s Gamble squeezing through at the rail – By Dan Ralph – Toronto – The Canadian Press
• April 23, 2024 – Jockeys David and Pietro Moran set to face one another this year at Woodbine – By Dan Ralph – Toronto – The Canadian Press
• September 28, 2023 – Q and A with Apprentice Jockey Pietro Moran – By Sophie Charalambous, for Woodbine Communications