Jim Crowley has officially drawn the curtain on an illustrious riding career after a serious fall at York in September left him unable to recover fully. The 48‑year‑old jockey, who first made his name in National Hunt racing before transitioning to the flat, has decided to channel his extensive experience into training racehorses.
Crowley's journey began over the jumps, but it was his switch to flat racing that allowed his natural talent to shine. He secured his first Group‑race victory aboard Rod Millman's Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup. Five years later, he achieved a breakthrough on the highest stage when he rode Robert Cowell's Prohibit to win the King's Stand at Royal Ascot – a race now known as the King Charles II Stakes. The pinnacle of his riding résumé arrived in 2016 when he was crowned champion jockey.
That same year, he was appointed the retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stud, a partnership that propelled his career to new heights. During his tenure with Shadwell, Crowley piloted some of the most celebrated thoroughbreds of recent times, including the lightning‑quick sprinter Battaash and the miler Baaeed, often hailed as the finest miler since the legendary Frankel.
Crowley's association with Shadwell also meant winter stints in Dubai, where he added further laurels to his record. Among the other top‑class horses he rode were Mohaather, Anmaat, Hukum, and Ulysses – names that will remain etched in the memories of racing fans worldwide. The accident at York, however, marked an abrupt and premature end to his riding days.
After undergoing multiple surgeries on his pelvis and legs, Crowley concluded that his body could no longer meet the physical demands of race riding. He announced his decision at Goodwood, a venue that holds special significance as his "home track" where he has enjoyed many triumphant moments.
Speaking to the Press Association, Crowley reflected on his career: "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." He added, "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." Looking ahead, Crowley expressed enthusiasm for his next chapter: "I’ve always wanted to be a trainer and I think it is the right time for me. It gives me something to get my teeth into. If I could have half as successful a 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." Crowley’s personal highlights underscore the depth of his achievements. He repeatedly cites Baaeed as a standout, recalling the horse’s victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and the dazzling Juddmonte International win on his first attempt at ten furlongs. Riding in the iconic Maktoum family silks during those moments added an extra layer of pride.
He also praised Battaash, describing the sprinter as "by far the best" in his category, and mentioned other memorable mounts such as Anmaat, Mostahdaf, Hukum (a favorite who captured the King George), Ulysses, and Minzaal. The day he clinched the champion jockey title and the treble he achieved on British Champions Day, when Baaeed bested Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, remain vivid memories. Equally unforgettable was Baaeed’s Juddmonte Stakes triumph and Battaash’s record‑breaking run in the Nunthorpe at York.
Crowley’s gratitude towards the Maktoum family, particularly Sheikha Hissa and her father, was evident: "I’ve been very privileged and it’s thanks to the Maktoum family, Sheikha Hissa and her father who gave me a wonderful opportunity." As he transitions from jockey to trainer, the racing community watches with anticipation. His deep knowledge of racecraft, intimate familiarity with elite horses, and proven work ethic suggest he could become a respected trainer in his own right.
While the injury that ended his riding days was a setback, it also opened the door to a new vocation that he approaches with the same passion that defined his time in the saddle. Fans can look forward to updates on Crowley’s training endeavors, as he plans to spend time learning from established trainers before establishing his own stable over the coming winter.
His story serves as a reminder of the resilience required in the sport and the many ways a lifelong love of horses can manifest beyond the finish line.