Top jockey Jamie Moore forced to retire aged 39 after latest serious injury which left him in a neck brace

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL winner Jamie Moore has been forced to retire through injury.

The top jockey was left in a neck brace after fracturing his C7 vertebrae in a horrendous fall at Lingfield in November.

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The 39-year-old has suffered several other serious injuries in recent years, even breaking his back in a fall in 2020, and he has decided enough is enough.

His brother, Josh, also retired from riding in January last year having suffered a number of terrible injuries, including one which almost killed him in 2022.

In total, Moore rode 968 winners from over 8000 rides during his 22-year career, having his first winner in November 2001.

He will most fondly be remembered for his partnership with 2014 Champion Chase winner Sire De Grugy.

The top-class two-miler won five races at Grade 1 level, memorably storming up the hill at Cheltenham to give Jamie and his dad, Gary, their biggest ever win.

But he also had to deal with his share of heartbreak on the track, infamously unseating at the final flight aboard Goshen when miles clear in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2020.

He has long been one of the most popular members of the weighing room, but on medical advice he will not return to the saddle.

Moore said: “It is with huge regret that, following my last fall in November, I will not be returning to race riding.

“After being checked by top neurologists and spinal specialists and taken advice from the BHA’s Dr Jerry Hill, I have been medically advised not to race 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, 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 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.”

The 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy was among those to pay tribute to Moore, telling Sky Sports Racing: “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.”