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Crowley hits front in title race

Jim CrowleyJim Crowley
Press Association

Jim Crowley has taken the lead over Silvestre de Sousa in the jockeys' championship in Britain after riding a treble at Windsor on Saturday.

Following on from three wins at Ffos Las on Friday, Crowley's victories aboard Berkshire in the Sri Lanka August Stakes, Officer Drivel in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Supports HEROS Handicap and Fairway To Heaven in the North Farm Stud Home Of HEROS Charity Handicap saw the rider move a win in front of De Sousa.

Crowley now sits on 77 winners with four rides booked at Goodwood today, while defending champion De Sousa is on 76 victories with five rides at Yarmouth to look forward to.

Crowley is pleased to have assumed the lead in the Stobart-sponsored competition but admits there is a long way to go in the title battle.

He said: "There's seven weeks to go - there's a long way to go yet.

"It's nice to get my head in front and it's nice to do it for my friend Russ who owns the horse. He's my sponsor and a big supporter of mine so it's really nice to ride him a winner.

"You have to go out there and think you can win on everything, otherwise what's the point in going out there?

"The horse doesn't know what price it is and you just do the best you can.

"You're only as good as the horses you're riding. If you're getting good rides, your confidence is up and you feel like you can win on anything.

"My run could come to end next week, but at the moment I'm enjoying it and I've just got to keep going and do the best I can.

"To be in the position I am in now is great and I'm enjoying it. If it comes my way, it would be fantastic, but if it doesn't, it doesn't.

"As I say, all I can do is work hard and hopefully things will come good."

Crowley has made up considerable ground on De Sousa in recent weeks and is odds on with both Paddy Power (4-6) and Coral (8-11), but Ladbrokes offer 11-10 about Crowley and 8-11 on De Sousa.