Jim Crowley, the 48-year-old jockey and 2016 British flat racing champion, has announced his retirement from race-riding following a serious injury sustained last September. Crowley suffered severe pelvic and leg fractures in a fall while riding Almeraq during the Listed Garrowby Stakes at York. The horse went on to win the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes later that year.

Crowley began his career as a National Hunt jockey before transitioning successfully to flat racing. Over the years, he became known for riding some of the sport’s top horses, including Battaash, Baaeed, and Mohaather. He also served as the first jockey for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell operation, establishing himself as one of the prominent figures in British racing.

In announcing his decision, Crowley described retirement as “the hardest decision of my life,” reflecting on a career that included both significant achievements and challenges. He expressed regret that his body was unable to fully recover to the level required to continue competing at the highest standard following his accident. Despite stepping away from race-riding, Crowley intends to remain involved in horse racing by embarking on a career as a trainer.

Crowley said he had “an amazing career” and looked back fondly on his progress, from National Hunt racing to success on the flat. His contributions to the sport over more than two decades have been widely recognized, and his future role as a trainer is anticipated with interest within the racing community.