After a celebrated career in the world of horse racing, former champion jockey Jim Crowley has declared his retirement, effective ten months following a debilitating fall. He characterized this announcement as the most arduous decision he has ever faced. Crowley's journey in racing saw him transition from National Hunt to Flat racing, culminating in a championship title in 2016. His departure marks the end of an era for a jockey who secured 29 Group One victories and left an indelible mark on the sport. He now plans to pursue a career in training, hoping to achieve similar success.
Renowned Jockey Jim Crowley Retires from Racing Due to Injury
On a poignant Saturday, August 2, 2026, at the historic Goodwood Racecourse, Jim Crowley, aged 48, made the difficult announcement of his retirement from professional horse racing. This decision comes nearly a year after a severe accident at York in September 2025, where his horse, Almeraq, was involved in a collision, leading to Crowley being unseated and subsequently rolled over by his mount. The incident resulted in extensive injuries to his pelvis and legs, necessitating multiple surgical interventions at Leeds General Infirmary.
Crowley, a figure of immense respect in the racing community, reflected on his illustrious career, stating, "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." He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities he had, particularly highlighting his success in Flat racing after an initial career in National Hunt, remarking, "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..." The choice to announce his retirement at Goodwood held special significance for Crowley, who considers it his "home track" where he experienced "so many good days."
His career milestones include his first Group-race victory in 2006 aboard Hawridge Prince in the Jockey Club Cup, and the crowning achievement of becoming champion jockey in 2016. Following this, he took on the prestigious role of retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Stud. During his time, Crowley amassed an impressive 2,103 victories in Flat races in Britain, alongside 253 wins in jump races.
Shadwell Stud released a statement acknowledging Crowley's significant contributions: "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." They extended their best wishes for his future endeavors.
Looking ahead, Crowley intends to remain deeply involved in the sport, announcing his aspiration to become a trainer. "I've always wanted to be a trainer," he revealed, "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."
Meanwhile, on the same day at the Glorious Goodwood meeting, the Stewards' Cup saw Evening Saigon, ridden by James Doyle, claim victory. Goodie Two Shoes, under Dylan Browne McMonagle, secured the Group Two Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes, and Ray Dawson guided Enfjaar to win the Group Three Glorious Stakes for trainer Roger Varian.
Jim Crowley's retirement serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands and inherent risks within horse racing, where a career can be abruptly altered by a single moment. His resilience in facing a life-altering injury, coupled with his immediate vision for a new chapter in training, exemplifies a deep-seated passion for the sport. This transition, from the saddle to the training grounds, reflects not an end, but a transformation of his commitment to horse racing. His determination to contribute to the sport in a different capacity is truly inspiring, and many will eagerly anticipate the future successes of Jim Crowley, the trainer.
