Father Gary hints at future in training ranks for retired jockey Jamie Moore

Mutiple Grade One-winning jockey Jamie Moore has been medically advised to stop race-riding, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career in the saddle that featured 968 winners from over 8,000 rides. 

From a famous racing family and the son of trainer Gary and brother to former jumps rider Josh, world-class Flat jockey Ryan and broadcaster and sister Hayley, Moore has not ridden on the racecourse since a fall in November - his third significant injury within the space of eight months - and the seven-time Grade One winner has taken the advice of a specialist to stop race-riding a few weeks after turning 39. 

On his latest injury absence, Moore said: "I broke my neck but that wasn't the problem really. 

"I was knocked out again for over four minutes, and that was the third time that happened in eight months. Two of them have broken my nose and one kicked my teeth out, all proper smashes - I thought they would have knocked down Mike Tyson.

"For the last one I had an MRI scan on my brain and they said there is a scattering of brain bleeds, which sounds dramatic. The specialist who I saw said he sees a lot of rugby players, footballers and boxers and said your brain isn't like any of theirs. I thought that's good, and he said it looks like [that of] a car crash victim."

The former champion conditional partnered Sire De Grugy to Queen Mother Champion Chase glory a decade ago, the defining horse of his career aboard whom he won a further two Tingle Creek Chases as well as a Clarence House Chase and Celebration Chase, while Moore also tasted success over the Grand National fences in the 2007 Topham Chase as well as Welsh and Scottish Grand National glory.

Moore added to Sky Sports Racing: "[The specialist] said it's best now to quit while you're ahead. I've broken my back twice and my neck once and I'm still lucky enough to be walking, so I dont know if I'm unlucky or lucky. I'm probably lucky really.

"To be honest, when I came round in Brighton Hospital and my neck was broken i thought then 'this could be it', and there were stages when I was thinking 'I can get back', but [being told the news] was a hammer blow.

"I still wanted to achieve more and I still think I was plenty strong enough - the day after I had the neck brace off I was in here riding out straight away. 

"It was hard to take, but i think I've acclimatised to it a bit now. A lot of sportsmen have to stop through injury, I'm not the only one and it's part and parcel."

On just missing the milestone of 1000 career winners, Moore added: "I would have loved to have done it - I wanted to ride until I was 40."

Speaking to Racing TV at Sandown Park on Friday, Gary Moore underlined his pride at Jamie's career and hinted at his son's future in the training ranks. 

"I'm very proud of what he's done," Moore snr told Tom Bull. 

"He's done really, really well and he always wanted to do it from the age of 14 really. He's done remarkably well and it's just a shame he didn't quite make the 1000, but at least he's come out in practically one piece."

On what Jamie's future might entail, he added: "I can't go on forever and him and Josh work very well together. 

"He was in Newmarket last week doing his [training] modules so something will happen in the near future hopefully."

In a statement issued via the Professional Jockeys Association, Moore further said: “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 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 Injured Jockeys Fund, 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 who 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.” 

Dale Gibson, executive director of the Professional Jockeys Association, added: “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.

“Jamie was and will remain universally popular within the weighing room and wider racing industry. His down to earth, no-nonsense approach alongside his genuine love of the horse (should) be wholeheartedly applauded.

“He also served his colleagues and the PJA exceptionally well as southern-based National Hunt safety officer since December 2019, as well as being (a_ dependable source for general advice to the PJA and younger jockeys both on and off the racecourse.

“Jamie has been a pleasure to represent and will be sorely missed in the weighing room. We wish him, his wife Lucie and their family all the very best and we look forward to seeing him on a racecourse soon in his second career.” 

Speaking to Racing TV after victory in the opening race at Sandown on Thursday, rider Harry Skelton described Moore as "a great man." 

The jockey said: "He's had a fantastic career, and more than just a jockey he's a fantastic person. 

"I've been in there [the weighing room] for 15 years and I've never had a cross word with him - and to be honest I think you'd struggle to find another jockey who has. 

"He's a credit to himself and his family."

Former champion jockey Brian Hughes said: "He's a gentleman in every way.

"He had a great career and rode some good horses. When he won the Champion Chase we were all there and all the jockeys went out and clapped him in because that's the measure of Jamie Moore."

He added to Sky Sports Racing: "He was a great rider and as tough as teak. There are not enough superlatives that would do Jamie justice."