15 February 2024 , 13:15
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Popular jump jockey Jamie Moore has announced his retirement from riding.
Moore, 39 and a member of the weighing room for more than 20 years, has ridden 968 winners, enjoying his best moments on the 2m chaser and Cheltenham Festival winner Sire De Grugy.
He has been on the sidelines since suffering multiple injuries in a fall at Lingfield Park in November 2023 which have now forced him to quit.
Announcing the news via the Professional Jockeys Association, he said: “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 Doctor Jerry Hill and the doctors who've seen me the most in my career - Dr Rizwan Ghani and Dr Lucy Free - I have been medically advised not to raceride again.
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“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.”
Moore began his career with ex-champion trainer Martin Pipe who he thanked for helping him become champion conditional rider.
Jamie Moore: suffered a number of long term injuries during his career (Denis Murphy/TGS Photo/REX)He reserved his highest praise for the members of the weighing room, “the best place you could wish to work”.
“I will hugely miss the weighing room,” he said. “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.”
Moore rode in more than 8,000 races with his big races including the 2014 Scottish Grand National on Al Co.
On Sire De Grugy he won the 2014 Champion Chase on Sire De Grugy,, one of four Grade 1 2n chases that season en route to being crowned British Jumps Horse of the Year.
His brother Josh retired last year as result of a fall from which he nearly died.
Dale Gibson, PJA Executive Director, said: “Jamie unfortunately suffered more than his fair share of long-term injuries and missed the equivalent of four years race riding during his career as a result, but his remarkable fortitude and appetite for race riding shone like a beacon throughout his career.”
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