Ryan Moore came out best of the British-based contenders on the first day of the International Jockey's Championship in Mauritius.

Moore is taking part in the two-day contest along with Frankie Dettori and Jimmy Fortune, but he was the only rider to enjoy a winner when he scored aboard For Keeps in the Association of Inbound Operators Cup over seven furlongs.

Notching his second victory in as many trips to Mauritius, Moore said: "It's always nice to come here and it is more about the people than the actual championship.

"It also helps to know the track. It's an obvious advantage."

Although Fortune and Dettori did not visit the winner's enclosure, they managed a second and third place respectively as Singapore-based Australian jockey Noel Callow dominated with two winners.

Dettori said: "I was a bit disappointed with my third place, I should have been closer but there you go, that's racing.

"I'm happy to be here. We always get such a great welcome here and the crowds at the racetrack are fantastic.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow's racing and I am hoping to win at least one race."

Callow goes into Sunday's final day with 21 points, with French jockey Thierry Thulliez on 12 points and Ryan Moore on 11 points.

They will ride in four more races before the championship is decided.

In the 'Young Stars' competition, two races were won by South Africa's leading apprentice Brendon Lerena, while the third race went to Maxime Guyon from France.

British rider Patrick Hills failed to strike before suffering further bad luck when injuring his thumb as he mount reared up in the stalls before the final race.

After examination by the local doctor, Hills was stood down for tomorrow's meeting.

He said: "I am very disappointed I can't ride tomorrow, but you have to respect the local rules.

"It's a great experience riding here and I'm grateful that I was given the opportunity."

He will be replaced by French jockey Miguel Blancpain in the remaining two races.

William Buick feared better than his compatriot in scoring six points for a second place.

"It actually rides a lot easier around here than it looks. You think it is quite narrow and tight, but it actually isn't," he said.

"It's a great experience to ride here."

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