Ex-champion jockey Crowley retires 10 months after fall

Former champion jockey Jim Crowley has retired 10 months after sustaining serious injuries in a fall, saying it was "the most difficult decision" of his life.

Crowley, 48, announced his retirement on Saturday at Goodwood, 20 years after he rode his first Group-race winner.

He was injured at York in September when his mount Almeraq was brought down after clipping heels with a rival and then rolled over Crowley.

The jockey was taken to Leeds General Infirmary and has since had multiple operations on his pelvis and legs.

"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," said Crowley.

"To come from jumping and 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...

"It's nice to announce the retirement at Goodwood. It's my home track and I've had so many good days here."

Crowley, who secured 29 Group One wins, began his time in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey before switching to the Flat.

He rode his first Group-race winner on Hawridge Prince in the 2006 Jockey Club Cup and became champion jockey in 2016.

He was subsequently appointed as the retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Stud.

Crowley - who earned 253 wins in Britain in jump races, with 2,103 victories on the Flat - plans to remain in the sport.

"I've always wanted to be a trainer," he said. "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."

A Shadwell Stud statement said: "Everyone at Shadwell would like to thank Jim Crowley for his invaluable contribution since becoming our retained rider in 2016.

"He has played a vital role within the operation, enjoying many memorable victories in the blue-and-white silks.

"Everyone at Shadwell wishes Jim all the very best for the future."

Evening Saigon, a 16-1 shot ridden by James Doyle, won the Stewards' Cup on the final day of the Glorious Goodwood meeting on Saturday.

After taking the lead with about a furlong to run, Evening Saigon finished ahead of Stratusnine in second and Mitbaahy in third.

Goodie Two Shoes, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle and trained by Joseph O'Brien, won the Group Two Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes, with Santorini Star second.

Ray Dawson rode Enfjaar to victory for trainer Roger Varian in the Group Three Glorious Stakes.