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Jim Crowley announces retirement from race riding
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 1 Aug 2026
Jim Crowley has announced his retirement from race riding, eleven months on from a heavy fall from Almeraq at York that left him with serious pelvic and leg fractures.
The 2016 champion jockey now looks to join the training ranks this winter after bringing rehabilitation efforts to return to the saddle to an end.
The 48-year-old began his riding career over jumps in 1997 before making the switch to the flat in 2006. On the level, he enjoyed much of his success in the Shadwell colours for his retainer Sheikh Hamdan, becoming synonymous with top-level horses Baaeed and Battaash.
Relive Jim Crowley and Battaash winning the 2019 Nunthorpe in record time.
Reflecting on his career, Crowley said: “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.
“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.”
He went on: “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.
“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.”
“I’ve been very privileged and it’s thanks to the Maktoum family, Sheikha Hissa and her father who gave me a wonderful opportunity.
“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 is so many I’ve been lucky to ride.
Watch as Jim Crowley and Baaeed claimed victory in the 2022 Sussed Stakes.
“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.
“Baaeed’s Juddmonte Stakes win was another brilliant day, as was Battaash breaking the track record in the Nunthorpe at York.”
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