Lee Mottershead

Jim Crowley, whose decision to abandon a successful jumping career was rewarded with the crown of champion British flat jockey and victories in some of the world's most coveted races on a host of outstanding horses, has announced his retirement from the saddle. Eleven months after sustaining severe pelvic and leg fractures in a shocking York sprint-race fall, Crowley has ended his efforts to return from injury and instead revealed plans to begin training this winter.

Home News Features The Big Read Paul Nicholls opens up to Lee Mottershead about a major setback and why he remains positive about future success Paul Nicholls, pictured recently at his Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, SomersetCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos) He has the look of a man who knows something of huge importance is imminent. The clock has just struck 11 but Wincanton's gates are still to be unlocked.

Friends and admirers from around the racing world came together in London's Fleet Street May 19 for a memorial service in which former British Horseracing Authority chair Joe Saumarez Smith was remembered as a great servant of racing and an exceptional man. Joining family members and many of those who worked with Saumarez Smith at the BHA were numerous prominent figures from racing in Britain, Ireland, France, and Japan.