Jim Crowley targets title defence despite Sheikh Hamdan retainer
Tuesday 13 December 2016 10:58, UK
Jim Crowley is refusing to rule out a successful defence of his jockeys' title despite being retained by Sheikh Hamdan al-Maktoum next season.
Crowley, who was crowned champion jockey on October 13, will head to Dubai in January after being handed one of the most prestigious jobs in the sport last month.
Sheikh Hamdan, one of the world's leading owners, turned to 38-year-old Crowley after deciding not to renew Paul Hanagan's contract after almost five years in the position.
Despite being priced up at 7/1 to make it two in a row, a defiant Crowley, who rode 148 winners last season, says it should not be looked on as an impossible task.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ he said: "When I got the call about the job I was absolutely delighted but I know it will be different as I am going to be riding out for lots more stables.
"Hopefully I will be getting some really nice horses. There were a few at the back end of last year who looked quite smart so it is going to be good. I am going to Dubai on January 2 and I'll be out there for a few months. I know I have ridden out there before but I have never been based there.
"It certainly won't be impossible for me to retain my title. Willie Carson was champion jockey when he was retained but obviously riding for Sheikh Hamdan will be my priority next year.
"But I never thought about the championship until Glorious Goodwood last season so we will get that meeting out of the way and see where we are and if we are close enough then we will give it a go."
Crowley returns to the saddle on Wednesday after almost seven weeks on the sidelines following injuries received in an horrific fall at Kempton which left fellow-jockey Freddie Tylicki paralysed.
The world of racing has rallied round Tylicki and his family and almost £300,000 has been raised for the 30-year-old, generosity which came as no surprise to Crowley.
"Freddie is remarkable, he is very strong willed and determined and he is an inspiration the way he is handling it," he said.
"And it has been amazing to see the support he has received.Racing is such a great community. He is a special guy and a lot of people knew that so it's been great to have raised so much money for him.
"I was laid up for a few weeks myself as I took a bit of bash but I'm back riding now and really looking forward to it.
"I have seven rides at Kempton and Lingfield on Wednesday, just the nice easy day I thought I would have come back to.
"But you have to start somewhere and I am looking forward to it. I am fairly fit, well, as fit as you can get without race riding so it should be good."
