3 minute read
Jamie Moore, a seven-time Grade 1-winning jockey, has announced his retirement from race riding at the age of 39.
Moore suffered a stable fracture of his T7 vertebra and also broke two ribs and his nose when coming down on Mi Sueno on November 21. The Brighton-born rider has been plagued by injuries in recent months and following medical advice, will not return to race riding.
The 39-year-old enjoyed notable Grade 1 successes throughout his career and developed a formidable partnership with fan-favourite Sire De Grugy, with whom he partnered to victory in the 2014 Champion Chase for his father Gary.
Moore retires from the saddle with 968 British winners on the board, including seven at the very top level and will be fondly remembered by weighing room colleagues.
A statement released via the PJA read: "It is with huge regret that, following my last fall in November 2023, I will not be returning to race-riding.
"After being checked by top neurologists and spinal specialists and taken advice from Dr Jerry Hill and the doctors who have seen me the most in my career - Dr Rizwan Ghani and Dr Lucy Free - I have been medically advised not to ride again.
"I would like to thank everyone who has stuck by me and supported me throughout my 22-year career. Obviously, I have been very lucky to have such a good trainer in my father Gary, who's always supported me, along with his brilliant, faithful owners. My mother Jayne and my wife Lucie have also always been there for me. Back to the start and my first boss, Mr [Martin] Pipe, who helped me become champion conditional.
"To every other trainer and every owner, I've ridden for; my agent Dave Roberts; my sponsors; all the brilliant stable staff and the PJA and the IJF, who have always been so supportive.
"Finally, to the best place you could wish to work - the weighing room. To all the physios, tea boys and ladies, nurses and weighing room staff who have made each day of going to work much more enjoyable. And to all the brilliant jockeys and valets past and present whom I've made lifelong friends with. I will hugely miss the weighing room. There have been some ups and plenty of downs, but everyone is always there for you. You've all been top-class.
"It's impossible to put into words how thankful I am to each and every one of you."
In a voice note sent to Moore via Sky Sports Racing's Matt Chapman, 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy said: "It was an absolute pleasure to watch you riding big winners on Sire De Grugy and winning Scottish and Welsh Nationals.
"We had some great time together, including a trip to Las Vegas when I told you I'd take you if Synchronised won the Gold Cup because you got banned a couple of days earlier and you were giving out a little bit.
"Just want to wish you all the best. It's been an absolute pleasure riding with you and being mates with you.
"I'm just glad you're retiring in one piece. Enjoy the next few days and I'll see you very soon."
