JIM CROWLEY CALLS TIME ON A REMARKABLE CAREER IN THE SADDLE

British racing has said goodbye to one of its outstanding riders after former champion jockey Jim Crowley announced his retirement from the saddle at the age of 48.

It brings the curtain down on a remarkable career which took Crowley from the National Hunt weighing room to the very summit of Flat racing, where he became champion jockey and partnered some of the finest horses of his generation.

Crowley’s retirement comes following the serious injuries he suffered in a fall at York in September 2025. The accident left him with internal bleeding and fractures to his pelvis and leg, requiring five operations. Despite initially targeting a return for Royal Ascot and later Glorious Goodwood, his body ultimately prevented him from making the comeback he desperately wanted.

It is an unfortunate conclusion to a career defined by longevity, versatility and no shortage of top-level success.

Crowley began riding over jumps in 1997 and accumulated 253 British winners before making the switch to the Flat full-time in 2006. It proved an inspired decision.

His first Group victory arrived aboard Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup, while his breakthrough at Group 1 level came on Lord Shanakill in the 2009 Prix Jean Prat.

The defining individual achievement came in 2016 when Crowley was crowned British champion jockey, riding 189 winners during the calendar year. His performances earned him the position of retained rider for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell operation and opened the door to some exceptional horses.

Battaash became one of his great partnerships. The explosive sprinter delivered four consecutive King George Stakes victories at Goodwood and memorable triumphs in the Nunthorpe, Prix de l’Abbaye and King’s Stand.

Then came Baaeed.

Crowley partnered William Haggas’ brilliant performer to six Group 1 victories, including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Queen Anne, Sussex Stakes and a breathtaking Juddmonte International success at York in 2022.

Ulysses, Mohaather, Hukum, Mostahdaf and Anmaat were among the other stars to carry Crowley to major prizes during a career which produced 29 Group 1 victories.

Fittingly, Crowley announced his retirement at Goodwood, his home track and the scene of so many memorable afternoons.

The saddle may now be empty, but Crowley will not be lost to racing. He intends to begin a new career as a trainer in 2027.

written by Rory Paddock