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.