Legendary jockey Jim Crowley has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from the serious leg and pelvis fractures he sustained, but remains optimistic about returning in time for Royal Ascot. Crowley, 47, was badly hurt in a fall at York last September when his mount Almeraq fell in the Garrowby Stakes. Fellow jockey Trevor Whelan was also taken down in the incident; Whelan’s recovery has been more prolonged after he required further surgery.
This month Crowley developed a tendon issue in the injured leg that required another procedure. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, he said the tendon problem ‘‘needed readdressing,’’ and he underwent the operation on the Wednesday of Cheltenham (March 11). He is now on crutches and progressing through rehabilitation; he can bear weight but the complication is likely to delay his return by about a month.
Crowley remains positive about a full recovery and is pushing to get back as soon as possible. He does not have a firm comeback date but is aiming to be riding again by the end of May, while acknowledging that timetable is uncertain.