The condition of jockeys Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan has been given in an update after their horror fall at York, with former champion jockey Crowley ‘not in a very good way’
14:25, 08 Sep 2025Updated 14:31, 08 Sep 2025
Jim Crowley is ‘not in a very good way’ after York fall
Former champion jockey Jim Crowley was reported to be ‘not in a very good way’ following a horrific racing incident at York on Sunday.
Crowley, 47, and Trevor Whelan, 36, were competing in the Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes, the headline race of York’s major Sunday meeting, which was broadcast live on ITV.
Almeraq, ridden by Crowley, was the strong favourite for the 4.30pm contest when he seemed to clip heels with another runner and fell around two furlongs from the line. The William Haggas-trained Almeraq brought down Tiger Bay, with Whelan in the saddle.
Both riders were said to be conscious when they were subsequently taken to a Leeds hospital. The two horses caught up in the accident, Almeraq and Tiger Bay, seemed to walk away unharmed from the incident on the Knavesmire.
Presenter Oli Bell later informed ITV viewers: “The jockeys are conscious and being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary. We believe they have both suffered leg injuries.”
Trevor Whelan suffered a broken leg in the fall(Image: Gareth Copley, Getty Images)
“Both jockeys are conscious and communicating with the medical team. That is an almighty relief. You could hear a pin drop here at York for the past 15 minutes, but that is a very positive update. All our thoughts continue to be with Jim and Trevor.”
York racecourse issued its own statement which read: “Both jockeys, Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan, are conscious and talking to the medical teams. They are being transferred to hospital for further assessment and treatment, as required. Racing has protocols in place to contact the next of kin.
“Both horses, Almeraq and Tiger Bay, continued to run after the incident. They are being assessed by the expert veterinary teams.
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“There is currently a delay to racing. We would ask people not to speculate further on this incident. The thoughts of all at York Racecourse are with the riders and their families.”
Whelan posted on Monday morning: “Thanks for all the get well messages much appreciated I’ve broken my leg in 3 places and due for an operation on it as well.”
Crowley, who is the first jockey for Shadwell Racing, has been reported by manager Angus Gold as: “Jim is not in a very good way. He’s having an operation as we speak, we think he’s broken his leg and pelvis, but we haven’t heard more than that.
“It was a scary moment. It’s too early to suggest who might ride what, we haven’t sat down to discuss anything yet.”