RACING:Jamie Spencer (31) has been confirmed as the retained jockey for Sheikh Fahad Al Thani's Qatar Racing operation, David Redvers, the owner's racing manager and bloodstock adviser, has confirmed.

The former champion jockey has signed a two-year contract with Sheikh Fahad, whose horses run under the Qatar and Pearl Bloodstock banners.

Redvers said: “I can confirm that we have agreed terms and that Jamie Spencer will be first jockey for Qatar Racing on a two-year contract, starting from January 1st.”

Spencer has had previous stints as stable jockey for Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, while he has recently been retained to ride horses for owners Jim and Fitri Hay.

“Harry Bentley will be retained as our second jockey and will ride most of the horses out of Robin’s Farm (trained by Olly Stevens).

“One or the other will ride all of the horses and if for whatever reason they can’t, then we’ll use the best available,” Redvers added.

Sheikh Fahad sponsors Champions Day at Ascot through his Qipco banner, and recently paid 2.5 million guineas for a three-parts brother to Derby winner Authorized.