Champion Jim Crowley has St Leger glory on his mind

Shabaaby ridden by Jim Crowley wins The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Conditions Stakes, during day one of the William Hill St. Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse. (Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

The champion jockey has picked up a host of top spare rides that has seen him become a ‘go to’ rider, including wins in the Coral-Eclipse and Juddmonte International on Sir Michael Stoute’s Ulysses.

Stablemate Crystal Ocean chased home Mark Johnston’s ill-fated Permian in York’s Dante Stakes, and at Royal Ascot, before winning Goodwood’s Gordon Stakes – a key Leger trial.

“I got a phone call from Sir Michael asking if I’d like to ride. Obviously, it’s a great ride to pick up,” said Crowley who began his riding career over jumps with Yorkshire’s Sue and Harvey Smith.

“He was probably a little unlucky at Ascot, but he looked very good last time and it looks like he’s improving. I’ve been lucky enough to pick up a couple of nice rides for Sir Michael and I’m looking forward to riding this horse.”

The Crystal Ocean team are optimistic he will stay the trip, although they would not want the ground too soft.