Wales can claim a share of the glory of Sean Dylan Bowen’s achievement in becoming champion flat apprentice. Though generally regarded as Irish, his father Ian is a Carmarthenshire man. The nineteen-year-old began his riding career in Ireland. He accumulated a huge amount of experience at the all-weather Dundalk track, and rode 29 winners before a barren spell during the winter prompted him to come to Britain in search of more and better opportunities. He won on his second ride here, at the Lincoln meeting, and it snowballed from there.
Bowen rode 45 winners in the period the flat jockeys’ championships cover, from the Guineas to Champions Day, finishing three ahead of Joe Leavy in a tussle that went to the very last day. His total was belatedly increased by the whip-related disqualification of Alphonse Le Grande in the Cesarewitch, which meant his mount Manxman was promoted to first place – although that is subject to an appeal.
Sean D is no relation to the other Sean Bowen, who was in action at Stratford on Saturday. He extended his lead over Harry Skelton in the jump jockeys’ title race to five on Westerninthepark. Having his first run for Olly Murphy, he was sent off odds-on for his fencing debut. Fourth going into the final bend, Bowen was determined to stay on the inside and exploited a small gap, and after getting through that made his challenge coming between the two leaders. He drew right away on the run-in to score by 14 lengths.
Later James Davies, who was off most of August and September, resumed his successful start to the season. In the spring he rode nine winners, as many as he did in all of 2023/24. This was on another chasing debutant, the Nick Gifford-trained Aworkinprogress. Carrying the J P McManus colours, he had won last time out in March and on this, his seasonal reappearance, showed no signs of rustiness. He should live up to his name and progress further.
At a misty Wolverhampton Grace Harris trained a Gavin Cromwell cast-off Saffredi to gain his first victory on his third start for the yard. Previously tried at a mile and then seven furlongs, this race was over six. He only got his head in front in the final three or four strides, so a stiffer six would not go amiss.
Continuance continued Sean Bowen’s good run by winning at Sedgefield on Sunday. It was a juvenile hurdle and his flat form entitled him to be 30/100 favourite. Well schooled by Martin Keighley, his jumping made it easy for him and he won unchallenged by 19 lengths. However, the day ended in disappointment for Bowen and Murphy when their favourite in the bumper flopped. And James Bowen was there for one ride, which was beaten by half a length.
Our next Ffos Las meeting is Sunday 10 November. Tickets are £18 and you can bring a friend for just £1. This offer is for advance sales only.
