Joining the elite: elated Jim Crowley hits 2,000 career winners at Goodwood

Jim Crowley became just the sixth current jockey to win 2,000 races in Britain, Flat and jumps combined, when partnering odds-on favourite Modmin to success at Goodwood on Sunday.

The former jump jockey amassed 253 victories in that field before switching to the Flat – with Modmin's win the 1,747th of Crowley's career in that sphere, a career that also features 12 Group 1 wins and the title of 2016 champion Flat jockey.

Crowley was elated to pass the milestone at his local track and one that has featured some of his finest days, including four King Georges for Battaash and Sussex Stakes wins on Here Comes When and Mohaather.

Crowley said: "It's been a fantastic season so far – I hope it continues – and it's nice to do it here at my local track. I've got a lot of fond memories here and to do it in these colours, especially for Marcus [Tregoning] as well, it was nice.

"It's not impossible [the next 1,000]. It might seem a long way away now, but so did 2,000, so did 1,000. We'll keep batting away and see where we end up."

The current 2,000 club is headed by Richard Johnson, Frankie Dettori, Joe Fanning, Ryan Moore and Jamie Spencer, in that order. All but Dettori have won on the Flat and over jumps.

Crowley's career as a jump jockey now seems a distant memory, but his 2,000 domestic wins include a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown on Ungaro.

Jim Crowley, Charlie Hills and Bob Grace enjoy Battaash's second Nunthorpe victoryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Summing up what the milestone says about his career and him as a jockey, Crowley said: "Consistency. I've always tried to be as consistent as I can and every year just keep on improving. I still feel I've got plenty of improvement in me; I didn't come to the Flat until very late.

"You see lads like Oisin [Murphy] and they've achieved so much, so early, I sometimes wish I'd switched to the Flat sooner, but I had some great years jumping and hopefully there's plenty more nice winners to come."

The 42-year-old picked out his Coral-Eclipse win on Ulysses as a particular special moment in addition to his successful partnerships with Battaash and Mohaather.

"The first one that sticks in my memory is winning the Eclipse because I lost the ride on Eminent and then to get the ride for Sir Michael Stoute, a legendary trainer, and to get up and win for him on Ulysses was special," said Crowley.

"Battaash at York the first year was a highlight as well, and Mohaather winning here in the fashion he did in such a good race. Those three really stick out for me."

CURRENT JOCKEYS: 2,000 WINS IN BRITAIN

More stories from a golden summer for top jockey Jim Crowley:

Crowley's milestone is just another reason for a rider in sizzling form to smile

Four reasons to smile for Jim Crowley and Hamdan Al Maktoum on top day at York

Older and wiser Battaash saunters to record-breaking fourth King George success

Marcus Tregoning back in the big time with exceptional miler Mohaather

'I rode six winners at Royal Ascot – but I'm still ruing the one that got away' (Members' Club)

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