From Qatar Racing's website: Jamie Spencer gains new position within Qatar Racing Jamie Spencer, Qatar Racing's retained jockey, will retire from race riding to take on a new full time role within the Qatar Racing management team. From 2015, Spencer will be an integral part of the operation working closely with Sheikh Fahad and David Redvers, providing feedback and advice regarding horses owned by Qatar Racing and Pearl Bloodstock. Currently the combined operations have around 250 horses in training worldwide, the majority of which are based in Britain, Ireland and France. Spencer, 34, will continue to ride for Qatar Racing for the remainder of the year before embarking on his new career in January 2015. Jamie 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 [Redvers] 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. "This has been a big decision and not one I have taken lightly. My priority is my family, and thinking of them and their future has played a key part in my decision. I feel I still have a lot to give to racing, and not just as a jockey. "I would like to thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me throughout my career. I will always be grateful to them for the success I have had and the friendships built along the way." Sheikh Fahad said: "I am delighted that Jamie will remain part of the team in his new role. I very much enjoy working with him and I am sure he will continue to be a great asset to Qatar Racing." David Redvers, Racing and Bloodstock Manager to Qatar Racing, said: "Ever since we signed up Jamie he has impressed us with his commitment and contribution. He has been an invaluable team player and this new role will enable him to build on that. I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from his insight, enthusiasm and invaluable experience. "Jamie will continue to ride for Qatar Racing for the rest of the year. With regard to riding arrangements for 2015, we hope to be in a position to clarify the plans shortly."
That is a case of being moved upstairs if ever I saw one. A good move for all concerned in my view as Jamie Spencer is a good guy and speaks well and with intelligence, he will likely make a good part of a team. He is however a poor jockey in my opinion, more than that he is a poor jockey the real frustration is that he could be a very good jockey. Over confident and tactically lacking. A part of me always feels he is less bothered if a race doesn't work out for him than someone like Ryan Moore who a little like McCoy will fight for every opportunity to win.This is a good deal for JS, for Quatar Racing and for punters. As much as you have driven me to distraction Mr Spencer and cost me a few pound over the years I wish you nothing but the best Sir and will remember you for your rides of brilliance, as they sometimes were, rather than the ones that drove me mad. Good luck.
Well said blue.he's driven the forum to tears in the past.but did come up with some classy rides, emma being one!
Obviously not enjoying his riding and if his contract was to be terminated he seemingly didn't fancy riding freelance or searching for another retainer. I wouldn't describe him as poor,although I can see how some would.He is a talented jockey whose style of riding didn't appeal to everyone. I'm sure he'll do well in his new role,which to be fair,will hardly be a taxing one.
A fantastic jockey on his day, but he is too inconsistent of late and others seem more hungry for it. Hope it works out well for him.
I'll never forget him in the Irish Oaks on Sariska hacking along blowing a kiss at the poor guy he just breezed past at half speed
Hope he has seen how Qatar treat foreign workers on their World Cup stadia - couldn't bring myself to work for a regime like that.
He's not that bad lads. At the end of the day he's a multi millionaire at the age of 34. You don't do that by being completely crap at your job.
Talented rider, miserable sod, glory hunter. Don't like him, has cost me lots of money in the past, hopefully a good young hungry rider like Oisin Murphy might be given a chance.
Just been announced that Andrea Atzeni has got the Qatar racing job, with Oisin Murphy as number 2 jockey.
That is not good for Murphy in my opinion. He is at a critical time in his career and has the ability to make the transition to the top table. However, he will now be required to attend the second meeting of the day rather than the main meeting where he could have picked up better rides and forged relationships with trainers and horses as a freelance. I know he will be on a retainer which must be tempting for a young man but I feel it's not what he needs at present. The second jockey book is rarely a good role. Dane O'Neil has the position in the Hamdan colours and its perfect for him as he is with respect a secondary meeting jockey anyway and unlikely to pick up big rides at main meetings, and so he will benefit from a steady supply of winners at secondary meetings he would be at anyhow. murphy however is a sought after rider and to have to now turn down rides because he is required elsewhere is going to do him no good. I think for Atzeni is a decent arrangement on both sides as he is undoubtedly a decent jockey but not one who would get the regulars hot horses that the likes of Moore and Hughes would get. The other side of that coin however is that Roger Varien is likely to be champion trainer within a two or three years and is clearly going to be flat royalty in the shape of the Stoute's and Cecils of before. Michael Stoute will likely not go on too much longer and I think Varien will be number 1 in Newmarket. Atzeni could never have been criticized for turning down the Qatar job to stay with Varien if he had chosen to. Qatar have got two good jockeys on balance it's worth a shot for Atzeni but in my opinion not right for Murphy. I think he should have gambled that his profile would continue to rise faster without the bind of this post and recognise that soon even better jobs would arise, he could instantly have contacted Verian. I hope Jim Crowley or Adam Kirby will pick up the Varien job.
