Of their many photos together—and there are plenty—it is perhaps the one on Korina McLean's Facebook page that encapsulates the bond between herself and the brilliant Moira.
The image, one where McLean is captured kissing the bay after the latter's stunning score in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T) at Del Mar, is a treasured reminder of a moment that is still fresh in McLean's mind.
An exercise rider for multiple graded stakes-winning trainer Kevin Attard, McLean was with Moira, who was recently named a finalist for the Eclipse Award as the outstanding turf female of 2024, every step of the way on a journey that took both across North America and onto the world stage.
Woodbine's Chris Lomon: What do you remember from the first day you met Moira?
Korina McLean: I was coming off my injury—a horse rolled on top of me, and I broke my pelvis and back—and had just returned to work. I was riding one or two horses and working in the barn, helping out, and there was a section in the barn where horses had shipped in. Moira was one of them. I was working in that section, and I saw her. To be honest, I fell in love with her the first time I laid eyes on her. I remember saying to Kevin (Attard), 'I really like this horse. She's so pretty and sweet.' At that time, she was sweet. The next day, I saw the set list and I was going to work her.
CL: What was the feeling when you worked her for the first time?
KM: She did everything well. She had some quirks, obviously. The first time we worked her in the gate, she acted up with me on her. It was very scary. When I was out of harm's way, watching the guys doing their thing to make sure she was safe, I looked at over at Kevin and (Woodbine starter) Ian Ross, and said, 'If she makes out of this OK, she's going to be a freak.' They looked at me as if I were crazy. I had seen young fillies do stuff like that before and they usually turn out to be a good horse. Mind you, I never imagined that she would turn out the way she did.
CL: What is your fondest memory from her King's Plate win?
KM: It was the moment (groom) Peter (Lopez) and I were in the barn waiting to get her ready. We have always worked with her together. He said to me, 'She is going to win.' I was nervous because I knew about her antics. But Peter was convinced she was going to win. And he was right. It was amazing.
CL: What went through your mind when she walked towards you after the Breeders' Cup score?
KM: There were a lot of feelings, a lot of emotions. I was so proud of her. It felt like it was a dream. I was proud, I was excited, but there was a moment where I was a little bit sad because I knew it was our last race together. I remember walking her around the paddock that day and I was talking to her a lot. I said, 'You see all these horses here? You are going to beat them all.' When I let her go onto the track with the pony, I cried a bit because that was the last time I was going to send her off onto the track.
When she came back to us after the race, it was a mix of joy and sadness. But I couldn't wait to put my arms around her and give her a big kiss.
CL: What are three words that best describe Moira?
KM: Fierce. Stubborn. Independent.
CL: How has she changed your life?
KM: I never would have imagined being able to ride a horse who would go on to do what she has done. I have only been galloping since 2019, and to be able to get on a horse like her is a dream come true. I never thought I would be in Thoroughbreds and here I am. She is one of those horses you wake up in the mornings for.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
