Jim Crowley provides an update on his status as he continues his recovery from a fall at York last month, telling Coral that he has no intention of retiring.
Jim Crowley update
Top Flat jockey and keen golfer Jim Crowley has revealed he has had a bet with a friend that he will be back on the golf course by Christmas Day, as he continues his recovery from a fall at York last month.
Speaking to Coral as their ambassador ahead of this weekend’s Qipco British Champions Day, Crowley also said the surgeon who operated on him told him he was in better shape post-operation than he was beforehand, as the surgery ‘straightened him out’, and that he was looking forward to being back in the saddle next spring.
Speaking about the incident, Crowley said: “I never lost consciousness during the fall, so I remember everything about it, and that proved to be crucial, as I was able to tell the paramedics something wasn’t right with my stomach, which was a result of the internal bleeding, so they were able to deal with it quickly , and that ultimately was the most dicey part of the injuries.”
I’ve had my leg pinned and my pelvis plated, and the surgeon who did this told me I was in better shape leaving him than I was going in, as he had straightened out all my old injuries and the wear and tear caused by them! I’m back home in Sussex now, and while it will be a long recovery, and I’ve been told I’ll be in a wheelchair for three months, I reckon I can get it down to two months!
“I’m getting bored now, and while I’ve been able to watch a lot of racing, and golf – the Ryder Cup was brilliant – I’m itching to get back on the golf course, and I’ve bet a mate I’ll be back playing by Christmas Day! Sheikha Hissa and the Shadwell team have been brilliant and so supportive, and I want to make it clear I’ll be back riding next year, retirement hasn’t crossed my mind, I’ve still got plenty to give. The injuries will heal, and mentally I feel fine – apart from the boredom! – and ultimately I was lucky. Graham [Lee] and Freddy [Tylicki] had life-changing falls, so I have to count my blessings, and look forward to getting back in action. And who knows what good horses will be there to welcome me back, another Battaash or Baaeed could be waiting for me.
Jim Crowley was speaking as a Coral ambassador.
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