Former champion jockey Jim Crowley has thanked fans for their messages following a horrific fall at York on Sunday, in which two horses came down. Crowley, 47, and Trevor Whelan, 36, were competing in the Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes when the incident occurred, broadcast live on ITV.
Crowley's mount, Almeraq, the hot favourite, appeared to clip heels with a rival about two furlongs from the finish, bringing down Tiger Bay, ridden by Whelan. Both jockeys were conscious and taken to Leeds General Infirmary. The horses walked away unhurt.
On Wednesday, Crowley posted on Instagram: 'I would like to say a big thank you for everyone’s kind messages regarding my fall at York on Sunday, I have unfortunately broken my leg and pelvis.' He also thanked the medical teams and expressed delight that Almeraq is safe.
Whelan suffered a complex ankle fracture, while jump jockey David Noonan also sustained a leg fracture in a separate incident at Fontwell on the same day. The Injured Jockeys’ Fund confirmed all three underwent surgery and face prolonged recovery.
