Jim Crowley announces retirement

Jim Crowley has called time on his illustrious career having failed to recover sufficiently from a serious injury he suffered in a fall at York in September.

Crowley began his time in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey but it was not until he switched to the Flat that he really began to showcase his talent.

He rode his first Group-race winner on Rod Millman’s Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup but had to wait a further five years before a breakthrough at the highest level on Robert Cowell’s Prohibit in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot (now King Charles II Stakes).

He became champion jockey in 2016, after which he was appointed as the retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stud, when his career hit new heights.

Crowley, 48, had the pleasure of riding such champions as Battaash, one of the greatest five-furlong sprinters of the modern era and Baaeed, arguably the best miler since Frankel.

His Shadwell job meant he spent many winters in Dubai where he enjoyed great success while the likes of Mohaather, Anmaat, Hukum and Ulysses were other top-class horses he will be remembered for.

Unfortunately that day at York has brought his career to a premature end, as following a multitude of operations on his pelvis and legs, he has come to the conclusion that now is the right time for another change of career, as he plans to start training.

Crowley told the Press Association: “I’ve had an amazing career and to come from jumping and then go on to do as well as I did on the Flat was amazing. I partnered some great horses and it gave me days I could only dream of.

“I never imagined this happening when I came from jumping and I was fortunate to ride all over the world and for some of the best trainers in the world.

“It’s been a great career, it’s just unfortunate that after my accident at York my body couldn’t get back to the level I want to be to race ride again.

“It’s nice to announce the retirement at Goodwood. It’s my home track and I’ve had so many good days here and it’s nice to finish here.”

He went on: “I’ve always wanted to be a trainer and to train and I think it is the right time for me. It’s given me something to get my teeth into. If I could have half as successful training career as I did riding then I would be very happy.

“I’ve completed my modules and just need to apply for my licence now. I plan on travelling around a bit and spending some time with different trainers and hopefully set up over the winter ahead of next season.”

Reflecting on some of his personal highlights from his time in the saddle, it is no surprise Baaeed features heavily.

It is his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes victory at Ascot and then his memorable Juddmonte International romp on his first attempt at 10 furlongs that Crowley remembers most fondly from his time aboard the son of Sea The Stars, thankful to spend the latter stages of his riding career donning the famous Maktoum family silks.

Crowley added: “I’ve been very privileged and it’s thanks to the Maktoum family, Sheikha Hissa and her father who gave me a wonderful opportunity.

“Obviously Baaeed was the best I rode, but there was also Battaash who was by far the best sprinter. There’s so many really, Anmaat, Mostahdaf, Hukum who was a great favourite of mine and obviously won the King George, Ulysses, Minzaal – there is so many I’ve been lucky to ride.

“The day I was made champion jockey was a highlight and so was riding a treble on British Champions Day the day Baaeed beat Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

“Baaeed’s Juddmonte Stakes win was another brilliant day, as was Battaash breaking the track record in the Nunthorpe at York.”

A statement released on social media by Shadwell thanked him for his efforts in their colours.

It read: “Everyone at Shadwell would like to thank Jim Crowley for his invaluable contribution since becoming our retained rider in 2016.

“He has played a vital role within the operation, enjoying many memorable victories in the blue and white silks.

“From the brilliant sprinter Battaash, including his track-record-breaking ride in the Group One Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, to Group One winners Al Husn, Anmaat, Eqtidaar, Eshaada, Hukum, Minzaal, Mohaather, Mostahdaf, Mustashry and Nazeef, Jim has enjoyed remarkable success at the highest level for Shadwell.

“His victory aboard Anmaat in the Champion Stakes marked his final Group 1 success in the Shadwell colours.

“Perhaps most significant of all was his partnership with the exceptional Baaeed, guiding the champion to six breathtaking Group One victories and creating memories that will live long in the history of Shadwell and with racing fans around the world.

“Everyone at Shadwell wishes Jim all the very best for the future as he plans to embark on an exciting new chapter as a trainer.”