Champion jock back for more

CHAMPION jockey Jim Crowley returns to the saddle on Wednesday with seven rides at Lingfield and Kempton.

Crowley has been sidelined by injury since being brought down from Electrify in the four-horse pile-up at Kempton in late October that led to Freddy Tylicki suffering paralysis from the waist down.

He makes his comeback aboard the Jeremy Noseda-trained Ettu, who appears to hold strong claims in the second division of the 32Red Casino EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Lingfield.

He then rides Miss Tiger Lily, Pool House and Adalene heading to Kempton's twilight fixture for a further three mounts.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back," Crowley told Sky Sports News.

"I thought I'd have a nice, easy day coming back! I wasn't expecting so many rides, but I've got to start somewhere.

"I was laid up for a few weeks and I took a bit of a bashing.

"I started off riding my children's ponies then moved on to the bigger ones.

"I'm fairly fit and and I'm really looking forward to it."

Crowley was last month named as the new first-choice jockey for leading owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, but feels he can still be crowned champion again.

"When I got the call, I was absolutely delighted," he added.

"It's going to be a bit different because I'll be riding out for lots of different stables, but hopefully I'll get on some really nice horses.

"Willie Carson was champion when he was retained, so it's certainly not impossible.

"I'll do my best to retain it (the championship), but riding for Sheikh Hamdan is my priority.

"Last year I didn't think about the championship until after Glorious Goodwood, so it will be much the same this year.

"We'll get Goodwood out of the way and see where we are.

"If we're close enough, we'll give it a go."