Jim Crowley: “I’ve got some really lovely horses to look forward to this season”

He’ll need a bit of luck from stall 22, but he ran a cracker in the Britannia at Royal Ascot last year, so the big field and strong pace should suit him down to the ground, and he’s more than capable of winning this if he settles into the race.

The season ahead

I always set myself a target of riding 100+ winners at the start of each season, and although I’ve just fallen short the last few years, I’ve got some lovely horses to ride this year, so I’m quietly confident I can get there.

Group 1 winners are obviously what it’s all about, but I’ve yet to win a classic, so I’d love to ride a classic winner if I can this season. I think I’ve placed in every single classic, so it’s not for a lack of trying, but it’s very difficult to win those big races when the likes of Aidan O’Brien are heading over with their big guns.

As I’ve said, I’ve got some really lovely horses to look forward to this season. Hukum (below) is back, who’s a full brother to Baaeed, and he won the Coronation at Epsom in emphatic style last year, so I’m very much looking forward to getting back on board him.

Anmaat is another horse I’m looking forward to this season. He won the Prix Dollar at Longchamp back in October, and I think he can have another really good year.

Of the younger horses, Royal Scotsman of Paul and Oliver Cole’s is really exciting us, and he’ll be aimed at the 2000 Guineas. I have really high hopes for him, and a similar comment applies to a horse called Mostabshir, who’s trained by John Gosden. He won on his debut at Kempton in November, and I think we’ll see him in a conditions race over the next few weeks, so he’s certainly one to keep a close eye on.

I can’t wait to properly get cracking, and here’s hoping for another successful season!

Jim