JIM CROWLEY RETIRES AFTER YORK FALL INJURIES

Former champion jockey Jim Crowley has retired at the age of 48, announcing his decision on Saturday at Goodwood after sustaining serious injuries in a fall at York in September 2025. Crowley's mount, Almeraq, was brought down after clipping heels with a rival horse and then rolled over the jockey. He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent multiple operations on his pelvis and legs; one account stated he had five operations, with the final procedure occurring three weeks before his retirement announcement. Crowley said the decision was "the most difficult decision" of his life, citing his inability to return to the fitness level required to continue racing.

Crowley became champion jockey in 2016 and secured 29 Group One wins during his career. He rode his first Group-race winner on Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup and was appointed retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Stud in 2016. Across his career, he earned 253 wins in British jump races and 2,103 victories on the Flat after switching from National Hunt racing to the Flat full-time in 2006. Crowley was notably associated with top horses including Battaash, whom he partnered to a record four wins in the King George Stakes, and Baaeed, with whom he secured Group One successes at multiple major races including the Prix Du Mouin, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Lockinge.

Crowley said he plans to remain in racing and pursue a career in training. Shadwell Stud issued a statement thanking him for his contributions since 2016, describing his role as vital to the operation and acknowledging his memorable victories in the stud's colours. He expressed hope of achieving similar success as a trainer as he had enjoyed as a jockey.