Spencer announces shock retirement
Jamie Spencer will retire from riding at the end of the current season to take up a new role with Qatar Racing Ltd.
The 34-year-old, who has twice been crowned champion jockey in Britain as well as once in Ireland, is currently retained rider for the powerful operation but will work closely alongside Sheikh Fahad Al Thani and his bloodstock advisor David Redvers providing feedback and advice on their horses from 2015.
Spencer said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and if I have learned anything in my riding career it is that you should take such opportunities when they come along.
“As much as I love race riding, it is not something I want to do for the rest of my life and while I am not necessarily ready to retire now, I feel at a stage when I am ready for a change.
“I really enjoy being part of the Qatar Racing team, working with Sheikh Fahad, David and everyone in the team, and so the opportunity to continue that and at the same time start the next chapter in my career appealed to me.”
