Jockey Jamie Spencer Relocated to Southern California
The veteran jockey has moved to California to pursue riding opportunities at Santa Anita and Del Mar.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Equestrian
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Renowned jockey Jamie Spencer has relocated to Southern California following a successful string of victories in 2026. He plans to serve as a freelance rider at the Santa Anita and Del Mar racecourses.
Why it matters
Spencer arrives in California as he pivots his focus toward the American racing circuit after a highly productive year. His transition brings a decorated international talent to the state's most prominent tracks.
Spencer secured 18 domestic wins in Britain during 2026, including a victory at the Doncaster Mile in March. He most recently achieved a Grade 1 win at the Canadian International on October 3, 2026.
The players
Jamie Spencer
He is a professional jockey who recently transitioned from the British racing scene to Southern California.
Charlie Appleby
He is a prominent horse trainer for Godolphin who employs Spencer as a freelance rider.
Godolphin
This is a global thoroughbred horse racing and breeding operation established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The details
Currently working morning sessions at local tracks, Spencer maintains his role as a freelance rider for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. He arrived in the region after concluding his time in Britain, where he last competed on September 25, 2026.
Timeline
March 2026: Spencer won the Doncaster Mile.
September 2026: Spencer secured wins at the Mint Millions Invitational and the Mint Franklin-Simpson Stakes.
September 25, 2026: Spencer last competed in Britain.
October 3, 2026: Spencer won the Grade 1 Canadian International.
Season Trajectory
Spencer's arrival marks a notable influx of European-trained talent into the California circuit, potentially altering the competitive balance for upcoming stakes races. His presence at Santa Anita and Del Mar adds a high-profile international dimension to the current jockey standings.
California racing enthusiasts can anticipate seeing Spencer appearing in more regular rotations at major venues like Santa Anita. His freelance status with Godolphin suggests he will likely be a frequent contender in significant graded stakes races throughout the season.
The takeaway
Spencer's relocation highlights the fluidity of professional jockeys moving between major global racing hubs to capitalize on seasonal success. Local tracks stand to benefit from the addition of a rider with recent high-level experience on both sides of the Atlantic.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments on the track in our Equestrian section.
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