Jim Crowley has retired at the age of 48 and intends to take up racehorse training later this year. The 2016 champion jockey said he had weighed up whether he could return after suffering serious injuries when Almeraq fell at York in September 2025.
Crowley sustained pelvic and leg fractures in the incident on the Knavesmire, while riding Almeraq for Shadwell and trainer William Haggas. The colt clipped the heels of a horse in front and brought down another runner, Trevor Whelan, who was also injured.
"I've had five operations, the last of them three weeks ago," he told the Racing Post. "Mentally, I still think I can do it, but physically, it's just not possible to get back to the level I would want to reach."
Career highlights
His retirement was announced on the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, where he partnered sprinter Battaash to a record four wins in the Group Two King George Stakes over five furlongs. He also struck up a successful partnership with Baaeed, landing Group One wins in the 2021 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, plus the 2022 Lockinge, Queen Anne, Sussex and Juddmonte International.
Shadwell years
Crowley began over jumps in 1997 and switched to the Flat full-time in 2006. He enjoyed a long spell as retained rider to Shadwell, working with Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and later Sheikha Hissa, and rode stable stars such as Hukum, Mostahdaf and Anmaat.
"The injuries I suffered have made me realise how fortunate I've been to enjoy such a long career doing something I absolutely loved," he said. "Holding the Shadwell job for so long was amazing. They are such loyal people. It has been a pleasure to ride for Sheikha Hissa, her father and the family, and I've also enjoyed working with Angus Gold and Richard Hills."
Long road back
In June, Crowley ruled himself out of Royal Ascot, telling Mirror Racing: "I've been riding out and I'm just not up to race riding yet. Ascot has come a little too soon. Although I could probably turn up it's not where I want it to be and I want it to be 100 percent. You can't come into a meeting like this at the top stage if you are not 100 percent."
"It's hard but one thing I have learnt is racing is a great leveller and it is at the end of the day horses running around a field. It's not the end of the world. There are lot more worse off than me."
