RACING: Jamie Spencer wastes no time after return to saddle

Jamie Spencer was back in the winner's enclosure after his first ride since announcing he was to carry on riding when partnering Master Of Irony to victory at Lingfield.

Spencer revealed on Sunday from Hong Kong that he had shelved plans to retire and and that he was planning to continue riding as a freelance jockey next season.

The 34-year-old shocked the industry in August when he announced his intention to hang up his saddle at the end of 2014, and it had been expected his final ride had come aboard the unplaced Trade Storm in the Hong Kong Mile.

Influential owners

Twice crowned champion jockey in Britain, Spencer was told in the summer that his retained contract with influential owners Qatar Racing would not be renewed in 2015 and he was set to take up a management role within Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s racing operation.

However, he showed he has lost none of his appetite for race-riding when making the most of his sole mount at the Surrey track.

He had the Ralph Beckett-trained newcomer held up as The Olympus Man made the running.

Showing plenty of greenness the 11-4 shot was brought wide by Spencer, who then proceeded make his challenge in the straight.

He led inside the final furlong and ran on nicely to score by a length and a quarter from Rockfast.

“He was very babyish – he was exactly what Ralph said he’d be,” said Spencer.

“I think there’ll be big improvement.”

Spencer said he intends to have a break to recharge his batteries for the year ahead.

“I’m going to take a holiday until February time and refresh and recharge,” Spencer said.

“I’m looking forward to having a few holidays and taking it easy until February.

He revealed he had been “surprised and touched” by the response to his initial decision to retire and later U-turn.

“I try to keep a low profile as much as I can but there’s been a lot of nice texts and calls.

“There is no target, just to work hard, achieve plenty and be committed and dedicated, on and off the track.”