Jim Crowley has decided to hang up his saddle after a distinguished riding career that was curtailed by a severe injury sustained in a fall at York in September. The 48‑year‑old jockey, who has long been a fixture on both the National Hunt and Flat racing circuits, concluded that his body would not recover to the level required for competitive race‑riding, and he is now turning his attention to training.
Crowley's journey began in the jumps arena, where he honed his balance, timing and tactical sense. However, it was his switch to the Flat that truly allowed his natural speed and sharp judgment to flourish.
In 2006 he secured his first Group‑race victory aboard Rod Millman's Hawridge Prince in the Jockey Club Cup, a triumph that hinted at the greatness to come. Five years later, riding Robert Cowell's sprinter Prohibit, Crowley captured the King's Stand at Royal Ascot – an event now known as the King Charles II Stakes – marking his breakthrough on the sport's biggest stage. The pinnacle of his riding résumé arrived in 2016 when he clinched the Champion Jockey title. That same year, he was appointed the retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Stud, a partnership that propelled him into an era of unprecedented success.
Under the Shadwell banner, Crowley partnered some of the most celebrated thoroughbreds of the modern era, most notably the lightning‑quick five‑furlong sprinter Battaash and the elegant miler Baaeed, who is often cited as the finest miler since the legendary Frankel. Crowley's association with Shadwell also meant extensive winters in Dubai, where the warm climate and world‑class facilities offered him the chance to compete in high‑profile races abroad. During those seasons he added further accolades on horses such as Mohaather, Anmaat, Hukum and Ulysses, each of which contributed to his reputation as a versatile and fearless rider capable of handling sprint distances as well as classic middle‑distance contests.
The accident at York, however, proved to be a turning point. After undergoing numerous surgeries on his pelvis and legs, Crowley assessed his physical condition and concluded that continuing as a race‑horse jockey would jeopardise his long‑term health.
In an interview with the Press Association, he reflected on his career with humility and gratitude: "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 added that the decision to retire at Goodwood – his favourite home track – felt appropriate, noting that the venue had provided him with countless memorable moments.
Looking ahead, Crowley expressed a clear vision for his next chapter. "I've always wanted to be a trainer and I think it is the right time for me," he said.
Having completed the necessary training modules, he now only needs to apply for a trainer's licence. He plans to spend the coming winter travelling to observe a variety of established trainers, absorbing different methodologies before establishing his own stable.
"If I could have half as successful a training career as I did riding then I would be very happy," he remarked, underscoring his ambition to translate his on‑track experience into a successful training operation. When asked about the highlights of his riding days, Crowley pointed to his partnership with Baaeed as a particular source of pride. The horse's victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, followed by a dominant performance in the Juddmonte International on his first attempt at ten furlongs, remain vivid memories. Crowley credited the support of the Maktoum family – especially Sheikha Hissa and her father – for providing the platform that allowed him to showcase his talent on the world stage.
"Obviously Baaeed was the best I rode, but there was also Battaash who was by far the best sprinter. There's so many really – Anmaat, Mostahdaf, Hukum who was a great favourite of mine and obviously won the King George, Ulysses, Minzaal – there are so many I've been lucky to ride," he said. Other career milestones he recalled include the day he secured the Champion Jockey title, a treble on British Champions Day when Baaeed defeated Palace Pier in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and Battaash's record‑breaking run in the Nunthorpe at York.
Each of these moments, he explained, reinforced his belief that he had been privileged to work with some of the finest horses and owners in the sport. As Crowley transitions from jockey to trainer, the racing community watches with anticipation.
His deep understanding of race tactics, intimate knowledge of horse conditioning, and extensive network of owners and trainers position him well for a successful second career. While his riding days may have ended prematurely, his passion for the sport remains undiminished, and he looks forward to shaping the next generation of champions from the other side of the starting gate.