Jim Crowley, whose decision to abandon a successful jumping career was rewarded with the crown of champion British flat jockey and victories in some of the world's most coveted races on a host of outstanding horses, has announced his retirement from the saddle.
Eleven months after sustaining severe pelvic and leg fractures in a shocking York sprint-race fall, Crowley has ended his efforts to return from injury and instead revealed plans to begin training this winter.
The 48-year-old, whose 2016 jockeys' championship triumph was followed almost immediately by his appointment as retained rider to Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell operation, enjoyed memorable moments on superstars including Baaeed and Battaash and posted wins in, among other major contests, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), Champion Stakes (G1), Eclipse Stakes (G1), Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1), Sussex Stakes (G1), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1), and York's International Stakes (G1).
"This has been the hardest decision of my life but after a great deal of thought I've decided the time has come to retire from race riding," Crowley said.
"Since my accident I've been struggling to get back to fitness. I've had five operations, the last of them three weeks ago. 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. I've got a rod through my tibia, a plate in my fibula, a plate across the front of my pelvis with eight screws and I've got another two screws in my hip. In total, I've got 20 screws, two plates, and one rod in my leg.
"I had internal bleeding after the accident and very nearly died that day. The injuries I suffered have made me realize how fortunate I've been to enjoy such a long career doing something I absolutely loved. While it's difficult to close this chapter, I do so with immense pride."
ππ π ππππππ π πππππππ π ππ πππ
— Goodwood Racecourse (@Goodwood_Races) August 1, 2026
A brilliant reception for a Goodwood great! Jim Crowley as his fellow jockeys cheered him out of the weighing room at Goodwood today.
A special moment for one of the weighing roomβs most popular figures. Happy retirement, Jim! pic.twitter.com/pUKM308Mwv
Having begun a decade-long stint over jumps in 1997, Crowley switched to the flat full time in 2006.
"Looking back at it all, I think becoming champion jockey was probably the highlight of my career," Crowley said. "It's such a difficult thing to accomplish and so few jockeys get the chance to do it. I was runner-up a couple of times and to then win it felt like an amazing achievement, particularly for someone who had come from jump racing."
Although associated with an array of group 1 winners, Crowley singled out the William Haggas-trained Baaeed as the best of a hugely impressive collection.
Crowley 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."
He will begin training from the Coombelands estate in West Sussex, where sister-in-law Amanda Perrett trains.
"I've completed all my training modules, so I now have to apply to the BHA for a license," Crowley said. "I want to go to lots of different yards, spending time with trainers and picking up as much useful information as I can. After I've done that, I'm hoping I'll be ready to start over the winter and begin with some of the runners on the all-weather."
Yet while an exciting chapter is soon to open, a glorious chapter has just closed.
"I've been fortunate to live my dream every day," he said.
