Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan taken to hospital following York fall

Racing at York was marred on Sunday by a nasty incident in the feature Sky Bet Starman Garrowby Stakes, with both Jim Crowley and Trevor Whelan taken to hospital with suspected lower-leg injuries.

Crowley was riding the William Haggas-trained big-race favourite Almeraq in the colours of his retainer Shadwell when, short of room just over a furlong out, he clipped heels and came down.

The horse rolled over Crowley but Henry Candy’s Tiger Bay following behind had nowhere to go and was brought down, also sending Whelan into the turf.

Miraculously both horses escaped largely unscathed but Crowley and Whelan were treated on the track for some time before being taken to Leeds General Infirmary. Both jockeys were reportedly conscious and talking.

The race was won by Elmonjed, a stablemate of Almeraq, who was ridden by Cieren Fallon and escaped the trouble in running to score at 5-1.

William Derby, clerk of the course and chief executive at York, said: “Both jockeys were conscious and talking.

“The assessment that I’ve got, although they will need further assessment, is that they have lower limb injuries. Trevor Whelan to his ankle and Jim Crowley to his lower leg. That’s the information I have at this stage.

“Both horses are back in the stables and  largely OK with a few bruises.”