Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Jamie Moore has announced his retirement from the saddle on medical advice following a fall last year.
The 39-year-old jockey, son of renowned trainer Gary Moore and sibling to racing personalities Josh, Ryan, and Hayley, has decided to hang up his boots after a successful career spanning over two decades. Beginning his journey in 2001, Moore's talent was evident when he emerged as the champion conditional rider in the 2003-04 season under the tutelage of Martin Pipe.
His partnership with the popular chestnut Sire De Grugy brought him immense joy, especially when they triumphed in the prestigious Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2014. Moore's remarkable skills guided him to 968 victories throughout his illustrious career, including a memorable win in the 2014 Scottish Grand National astride Al Co. However, a harrowing fall at Lingfield in late November 2023 left him with a fractured vertebra, broken ribs, and a broken nose.
Following consultations with top neurologists and spinal specialists, including Dr Jerry Hill, Dr Rizwan Ghani, and Dr Lucy Free, Moore has reluctantly accepted the medical advice that he should not race again. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to his family, trainers, owners, agents, sponsors, and the racing community, Moore bids farewell to the weighing room.
Despite the ups and downs, he cherishes the camaraderie and support he experienced among fellow jockeys, valets, physios, nurses, and weighing room staff. Moore's tenacity and love for horses will be remembered, and he leaves a lasting legacy in the racing world. As he embarks on a new chapter, Moore is expected to play a pivotal role in his family's training stable, with his father expressing pride in his achievements and optimism for his future endeavours.