Jim Crowley has officially drawn the curtain on a distinguished riding career after a serious fall at York in September left him unable to fully recover. The 48‑year‑old jockey, who first made his mark in National Hunt racing before transitioning to the flat, announced that he will now turn his attention to becoming a trainer. Crowley's early years were spent over jumps, but it was his switch to flat racing that truly unlocked his potential. He secured his first Group‑level victory aboard Rod Millman's Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup, yet it would be another five years before he achieved a breakthrough on the sport's biggest stage.
Riding Robert Cowell's Prohibit, Crowley captured the King's Stand at Royal Ascot – now renamed the King Charles II Stakes – signalling his arrival among the elite. 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 a host of high‑profile horses, most notably the lightning‑quick sprinter Battaash, widely regarded as one of the finest five‑furlong runners of the modern era, and the miler Baaeed, often cited as the best middle‑distance horse since Frankel.
His role with Shadwell also meant spending many winters in Dubai, where he added further laurels to his record. Among the memorable mounts were Mohaather, Anmaat, Hukum and Ulysses – each a top‑class performer that contributed to his reputation as a versatile and talented rider.
Unfortunately, the accident at York proved to be a turning point. After undergoing multiple surgeries on his pelvis and legs, Crowley concluded that his body could no longer withstand the rigours of race‑day riding at the level he demanded of himself. In light of this, he decided to retire and embark on a new chapter as a trainer. Speaking to the Press Association, Crowley reflected on his journey: "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." He continued, "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. 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." Choosing Goodwood as the venue for his retirement announcement held special meaning for Crowley.
"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," he said. Looking ahead, Crowley expressed enthusiasm for his training ambitions: "I've always wanted to be a trainer and to train and I think it is the right time for me. 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." He added that he has already completed the necessary training modules and is now awaiting his licence. "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," he explained. When asked about the highlights of his riding days, Crowley naturally gravitated toward his partnership with Baaeed.
The horse's triumph in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and a stunning Juddmonte International victory on his first attempt at ten furlongs remain vivid memories. Crowley expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Maktoum family, noting, "I've been very privileged and it's thanks to the Maktoum family, Sheikha Hissa and her father who gave me a wonderful opportunity." He also praised Battaash, describing the sprinter as "by far the best" in his sprinting career, and mentioned other favorites such as Anmaat, Mostahdaf, Hukum – who secured a King George win – Ulysses, and Minzaal. "The day I was made champion jockey was a highlight and so was riding a treble on British Champions Day the day Baaeed beat Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes," Crowley recalled.
He added, "Baaeed's Juddmonte Stakes win was another brilliant day, as was Battaash breaking the track record in the Nunthorpe at York." As he transitions from jockey to trainer, Crowley hopes to bring the same dedication, tactical insight, and passion that defined his riding career to the training side of the sport. While the road ahead will present new challenges, his deep experience with elite horses, international racing circuits, and high‑pressure environments positions him well to nurture the next generation of champions. The racing community will be watching closely as Jim Crowley embarks on this exciting new venture, eager to see how his expertise behind the saddle translates into success from the trainer's box.