In-demand Crowley gunning for title despite Brave defeat

Jim Crowley approached Saturday's Group 2 Betfred Hungerford Stakes aiming to land his biggest victory of the season but, although he did not win, it was the manner he exited the track which said more about the direction of his campaign.

Home Of The Brave, the 7-4 favourite, was floored by fellow Godolphin runner Richard Pankhurst, but as Crowley sprinted out of Newbury for five rides at Lingfield he indicated, in words as well as actions, that challenging for the Stobart-sponsored jockeys' title was top of his agenda.

The former jump jockey began yesterday joint-third in the championship with Ryan Moore on 57 winners, one behind James Doyle, suspended for the Home Of The Brave mount, and ten off reigning champion Silvestre de Sousa.