18+ | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Spencer Praise For Curley Decision

Jamie Spencer believes Barney Curley is right to concentrate on his passion for his charity.

Curley is to put his training career on hold indefinitely so he can devote more time to Direct Aid for Africa (Dafa) which he founded in 1996.

The Newmarket trainer's decision was prompted by a £2.5 million donation from Sheikh Mohammed.

'I think racing is really irrelevant to him. I think his charity is his main passion these days and it had a big boost a few weeks ago when Sheikh Mohammed donated #2.5m to it which is a lot,' said Spencer.

'It's move forward. He couldn't just spend a couple of days a week on it anymore. He has to spend every day planning and making sure that money is put it to good use. I'm sure he will and all power to him,' he told At The Races.

Curley was instrumental in bringing Spencer over from Ireland and helped nurture the leading jockey's talent.

'I went out to Zambia with him. It was a great experience and something I'll never forget. If everyone saw what goes on over there, there would be a lot less moaning in the world,' added Spencer.

(C) PA Sport