Mosse the man for big-spending Phoenix Thoroughbreds

Gerald Mosse has signed as first jockey to Phoenix Thoroughbreds, whose backers hope will soon become a familiar name on racecourses in Britain and abroad after a rash of high-profile purchases at Breeze-Up sales in Europe and the US this spring.

The 50-year-old Frenchman - still recognised as one of the best tacticians around - has already spent two days in Newmarket riding out with Jeremy Noseda, who has taken delivery of eight horses under the Phoenix banner this spring, including a €1.4 million colt by Street Sense who broke the sale record at Arqana in Deauville this month.

Mosse said: "I am very pleased and grateful to have the opportunity to become part of the Phoenix Thoroughbreds team. It's a very exciting project and one I'll be very committed to. We have bought some very nice-looking individuals at the sales during the spring and I look forward to getting know the horses over the coming months.

"I hope that this season and beyond that I can play a part in delivering success to Phoenix, both with the work I will put in with the horses at home and on the racecourse."

Gerald Mosse riding exercise for trainer Jeremy Noseda in NewmarketCredit: Tony Rushmer

Phoenix has been extremely active at the Breeze-Ups in North America and Newmarket, as well as in Deauville, with bloodstock and racing advisor Kerri Radcliffe purchasing 12 lots in all.

Four are now in training with Bob Baffert while eight are with Radcliffe's husband Noseda. The Luxembourg-based outfit is in the process of gaining formal recognition as the first regulated thoroughbred investment fund in the world.

Further recruitment on the equine front is expected through the summer and extensively at the yearling sales in the US and also Europe.

The investors behind Phoenix and its structure have been a mystery to many at the sales, but a little more light was shed on its make-up in its statement on the recruitment of Mosse - although specific details remain elusive.

“Phoenix is in the process of becoming the first regulated thoroughbred investment fund in the world, ensuring it operates with full transparency,” it said.

“It already has operations in six countries and the ambition is to become a leading player in the thoroughbred industry in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Phoenix Thoroughbreds is comprised of a number of partners, including individuals and businesses.”

Commenting on the signing of Mosse, Phoenix chief executive officer, Amer Abdulaziz, said: "We are delighted that Gerald Mosse has agreed to join the Phoenix team as its retained jockey.

"Gerald’s record around the world speaks for itself – he has won so many top-class races. Someone with his vast experience will be a huge asset to Phoenix Thoroughbreds and its trainers."

Mosse has been at the top of his profession in Europe and Asia for more than 25 years, dating to his breakthrough success in the 1990 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe aboard the Nicolas Clement-trained Saumarez.

In recent seasons he has become a favourite with Clive Cox, for whom he secured Group 1 success at Deauville and Newmarket with Reckless Abandon, as well as landing the Group 3 Prix du Prince d'Orange for William Haggas on Sky Kingdom.

Having enjoyed a first feel of some of the new Phoenix recruits based with Noseda at the end of last week, Mosse showed a sure touch when making all for Listed success on the John Ryan-trained Grey Britain at Newmarket on Saturday.

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