Jim Crowley has retired from race riding at 48, five operations after the severe fall he suffered at York last September. The jockey still plans to stay in the sport and transition into training.
"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."
Fall at York
Crowley was aboard Almeraq for Shadwell and trainer William Haggas when the colt appeared to clip the heels of a horse ahead, bringing down another runner ridden by Trevor Whelan, who also sustained injuries. Crowley suffered pelvic and leg fractures in the incident at the Knavesmire.
"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 added. "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."
Career highlights
Crowley started out over jumps in 1997 and moved to the Flat full-time in 2006. He was closely associated with Shadwell, riding horses such as Hukum, Mostahdaf and Anmaat. At Goodwood, he partnered the sprinter Battaash to a record four victories in the Group Two King George Stakes over five furlongs.
He also enjoyed considerable success with Baaeed, winning Group One races including the 2021 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, plus the following year's Lockinge, Queen Anne Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Juddmonte International.
Royal Ascot absence
Crowley's retirement announcement came on the closing day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival. In June he had ruled himself out of Royal Ascot, saying: "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 it up, it's not where I want it to be, and I want it to be 100 per cent. You can't come into a meeting like this at the top stage if you are not 100 per cent.
"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."
