Ryan Moore has confirmed a short absence

Ryan Moore has confirmed he is taking a short break from riding to rest with Silvestre de Sousa firming to defend his British champion jockey title.

Moore says he has been advised by a specialist to have "complete rest" having been "a bit sore for the last couple of weeks".

He has not ridden competitively since Sunday and went on holiday with his family to Portugal soon afterwards.

In a statement released to Press Association Sport, the star jockey said he will only return to the saddle when he is fully fit.

"I have been a bit sore for the last couple of weeks and been advised by a specialist that complete rest is the best option," Moore said.

"I'm not going to rush it as I want to be 100 per cent for all the major races in the autumn so I'm going to play it by ear, but hope to be back soon."

Moore, 32, was been expected to ride the Aidan O'Brien-trained Caravaggio, ante-post favourite for next year's 2000 Guineas, in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said the mount on Caravaggio Sunday's Group One Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh would now go to Seamie Heffernan.

Earlier this week, O'Brien said he had been aware Moore was having trouble with a hip.

Bookmakers have cut de Sousa to 1-6 for the jockeys' title.