Thursday 20 November 2014 11:51, UK
Jamie Spencer's decision to quit riding was prompted by news that his contract as number one jockey to Qatar Racing would not be renewed, the jockey has revealed.
The two-times champion jockey surprised the world of racing three months ago by announcing his retirement from the saddle, with Andrea Atzeni later confirmed as Sheikh Fahad's number one from next January.
Spencer has instead been offered a management role within the Qatar Racing operation, but was informed in August he had lost his position as their top jockey.
He told The Times: "The story is that I was told my contract wasn't being renewed for next year.
"You wouldn't be human if that didn't come as a shock, but there has been no fall-out.
"Sheikh Fahad and I still speak every day. I've really enjoyed working for him. I get him and he gets me."
Spencer, 34, was only in his second season with the developing Qatar outfit when he was told by Sheikh Fahad at the Arlington Million meeting in Chicago that his race-riding contract would not be renewed.
Contradicting previous accounts given of the background to the split, he said: "David (Redvers, racing and bloodstock manager for Sheikh Fahad) said to me the day before that the boss wanted to speak to me. I guess I knew what was coming.
"This had seemed a dream job but nothing is ever set in stone in racing. You never really put your feet too far under the table because it's a fickle, results-driven sport.
"Last year went reasonably well but we'd not had horses making a splash on the big days this year. It came good in the second half of the season but everything had changed by then.
"I saw Sheikh Fahad for an hour after my last ride at Arlington. The measure of the man is that he doesn't hide. I know it wasn't a fast decision. By all accounts, they are were talking about it in July.
"He went through everything with me in detail and made me an offer to join the management team. It wasn't an easy decision and I didn't have much time to think about it."
Spencer's decision to retire at the end of the year continues to generate much debate, but the six-times Classic winner says has no intention of deviating from his original call.
He said: "I haven't stopped yet - I'm going to Barbados and to Hong Kong next month - but people are trying to make every ride my last.
"There was always going to be a question in my mind, because riding is what I've done all my life.
"I'm looking forward to the first proper break I'll have had since 2001.
"Stepping off the hamster wheel will do me the world of good, and seeing my kids at Christmas, without too much on my mind, will also be nice.
"Before that, I'll meet up with Sheikh Fahad soon and discuss the future. My relationship with him is a big thing and I want to be involved with his operation.
"There's no sense disguising it's a difficult time but, in my mind, I'm stopping riding.
"It doesn't sit easy but that's how life is. Nothing lasts forever."
