BREAKING: CHRIS HAYES CALLED UP TO RIDE ANMAAT IN IRISH CHAMPION STAKES AFTER JIM CROWLEY’S HORRIFIC INJURY
In a dramatic turn of events, Irish jockey Chris Hayes has been confirmed to ride the star horse Anmaat in the upcoming Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown this Saturday, stepping in for regular jockey Jim Crowley, who suffered a severe injury in a fall at York on Sunday. The news has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with Crowley now facing surgery and an uncertain future that could potentially lead to a prolonged absence or even retirement. This development has thrust Hayes into the spotlight, offering him a golden opportunity to guide one of the season’s standout horses in a high-stakes Group 1 race.
The incident that led to Crowley’s injury occurred during a race at York, where he took a heavy fall from his mount, Almeraq. Reports indicate that Crowley sustained a broken leg and a suspected broken pelvis, injuries severe enough to require immediate surgical intervention. Angus Gold, Shadwell’s racing manager, confirmed on Monday that Crowley underwent surgery, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The racing world has rallied around Crowley, with fellow jockey Trevor Whelan, who was also injured in the same incident, revealing he too requires surgery for a leg broken in three places. The accident has cast a shadow over the sport, highlighting the inherent risks jockeys face.
Anmaat, a seven-year-old son of Awtaad, has been a consistent performer for trainer Owen Burrows and owners Shadwell, with Crowley riding him in his last nine starts. Their partnership reached its peak last October when Anmaat pulled off a stunning 40/1 upset in the Group 1 Champion Stakes. This season, the horse has continued to show strong form, finishing second in both the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Despite not securing a win this year, Anmaat has been a model of consistency, and Burrows remains optimistic about his chances, particularly if the ground conditions at Leopardstown turn in his favor. “The horse has done nothing wrong this season,” Burrows said. “I know he hasn’t won yet, but he hasn’t done a lot wrong, and if the ground comes more in his favor, I’d like to think he can run a big race.”
Hayes, a seasoned jockey with a proven track record, was a natural choice to replace Crowley. Having previously ridden for Shadwell, Hayes secured Classic glory with Awtaad in the 2016 Irish 2,000 Guineas and won the City of York Stakes in 2017 aboard Talaayeb for Burrows. His familiarity with Leopardstown, where he has ridden numerous big winners, was a key factor in the decision. Burrows emphasized the importance of Hayes’ experience, stating, “Chris has obviously ridden big winners for Shadwell in Ireland, and we felt someone with plenty of experience of Leopardstown was vital.” The trainer also expressed sympathy for Crowley, noting, “It’s a shame what’s happened to Jim as he obviously knows the horse very well.”
As Anmaat prepares to face strong competition, including ante-post favorite Delacroix and Japanese challenger Shin Emperor, the racing world will be watching Hayes closely. The Irish Champion Stakes is a prestigious event, and Anmaat’s performance could solidify his status as one of the top middle-distance horses in Europe. Burrows is hopeful that forecasted rain will soften the ground, which is currently good to yielding, to suit Anmaat’s preferences. “It looks like the rain is coming over there, and I’m looking forward to getting him out again as he seems in really good nick,” Burrows added.
The racing community continues to send its best wishes to Jim Crowley for a speedy recovery, but the focus now shifts to Leopardstown, where Chris Hayes has a chance to make his mark. With Anmaat’s strong form and Hayes’ expertise, the pair could deliver a memorable performance in one of Ireland’s most celebrated races. As the countdown to Saturday begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling contest.
