Former champion jockey Jim Crowley has retired 10 months after sustaining serious injuries in a fall, saying it was "the most difficult decision" of his life.

He was injured at York in September when his mount Almeraq was brought down after clipping heels with a rival and then rolled over Crowley. The jockey was taken to Leeds General Infirmary and has since had multiple operations on his pelvis and legs.

Crowley, who secured 29 Group One wins, began his time in the saddle as a National Hunt jockey before switching to the Flat. He rode his first Group‑race winner on Hawridge Prince in 2006, became champion jockey in 2016, and was appointed retained rider for Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell Stud.

Shadwell thanked him for his invaluable contribution and he plans to remain in the sport, hoping to become a trainer.