Champion jockey thanks fans for kind messages in first comments since York horror fall

Former champion jockey Jim Crowley has thanked fans for their messages after the horrific fall in which two horses came down 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.

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Both jockeys were conscious as they were 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.

Both Crowley and Whelan, who revealed he had broken his leg in the three places, underwent surgery after the incident.

On Wednesday Crowley posted a message on his Instagram page which said: “I would like to say a big thank you for everyone’s kind messages regarding my fall at York on Sunday, I have unfortunately broken my leg and pelvis .

“I would also like to thank the entire team at Leeds hospital and all the paramedics at York racecourse . I’m also delighted to hear my horse Almeraq is safe and sound . Looking forward to getting back in the saddle.”

This followed an update from the Injured Jockeys’ Fund on both York jockeys as well as jump jockey David Noonan, who was injured when he was kicked at the start at Fontwell the same day.

The statement said: “Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan were both taken to Leeds General Infirmary Hospital after a fall on the Flat at York racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

"Jim sustained a pelvic and leg fracture and after initial treatment to stop internal bleeding on Sunday, he underwent surgery yesterday to stabilise his fractures. He is doing well post operation, is in good spirits and will remain in hospital for the time being.

"Trevor has a complex ankle fracture and was placed in a cast in Leeds General Infirmary. He is seeing a specialist ankle surgeon in London today to plan his surgery.”

The IJF continued: "In a separate incident at Fontwell on Sunday, David Noonan underwent surgery on Monday at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton to stabilise a leg fracture. He is doing well post op and hopes to be discharged soon.

"All three jockeys will require prolonged recovery and rehabilitation. They are extremely grateful for the excellent care they received from the medical teams on the racecourses and would like to thank everybody for their concern.”