Former champion jockey Jim Crowley has retired 10 months after sustaining serious injuries in a fall, saying it was “the most difficult decision” of his life.
Crowley, 48, announced his retirement on Saturday at Goodwood, 20 years after he rode his first Group-race winner.
He was injured at York in September when his mount Almeraq was brought down after clipping heels with a rival and then rolled over Crowley.
The jockey was taken to Leeds General Infirmary and has since had multiple operations on his pelvis and legs.
“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,” said Crowley.
“To come from jumping and 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…
“It’s nice to announce the retirement at Goodwood. It’s my home track and I’ve had so many good days here.”
Crowley, who secured 29 Group One wins, began his time in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey before switching to the Flat.
He rode his first Group-race winner on Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup and became champion jockey in 2016.
He was subsequently appointed as the retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stud.
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