Jim Crowley 'not in a very good way' as he undergoes surgery following horror fall

Former champion jockey Jim Crowley was reported to be ‘not in a very good way’ as a result of the horrific race fall at York on Sunday.

Crowley, 47, and Trevor Whelan, 36, were taking part in the Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes, the feature race of York’s big Sunday fixture, which was being shown live on ITV.

Almeraq, ridden by Crowley, was the hot favourite for the 4.30 race when he appeared to clip heels with a rival and came down about two furlongs from the finish. Almeraq, trained by William Haggas, brought down Tiger Bay, ridden by Whelan.

Both jockeys were said to be conscious as they were later transferred to a Leeds hospital. The two horses involved in the incident, Almeraq and Tiger Bay, appeared to walk away unhurt from the incident on the Knavesmire.

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Presenter Oli Bell later told ITV viewers: "The jockeys are conscious and being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary. We believe they have both suffered leg injuries.

"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 posted its own update which said: “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

“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.”

On Monday morning Whelan posted: “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 is first jockey for Shadwell Racing whose manager Angus Gold, said: “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.”