Welshman Bowen Bidding for Maiden Jockeys’ Championship

National Hunt rider Sean Bowen has established himself as one of the best jockeys in his sport over the last few years. The Welshman fell just short last season in his bid to win a first Jumps Jockeys’ Championship, as he finished second to Harry Cobden.

It has always been a dream to lift this and now it’s a reality

A big thank you to all the owners and trainers that have supported me along the way and made it possible for me to be Champion Jockey pic.twitter.com/bhCGuwg7Xa

— Harry Cobden (@CobdenHarry) April 27, 2024

Bowen has made a fast start to the 2024/25 campaign, as he bids to take Cobden’s title. The 26-year-old is hoping to become the first Welsh jockey since Dick Francis in 1954 to lift the trophy at the end of the season.

Support from Leading Trainers

In his pursuit of the Jockeys’ Championship title, Bowen, who is 4/6 in the racing betting, has the support of some of the biggest trainers in the UK. He predominantly rides for Olly Murphy and his father Peter Bowen, who both have strong stables to provide him with many winning opportunities.

As the horse racing results show, Bowen had 154 winners last season. He will be hoping to get much closer to the 200 winners mark in the latest campaign. The 2023/24 runner-up has shown he is prepared to put in the miles to travel across the UK for as many rides as possible.

Bowen has also often missed some of the big festivals in the UK and Ireland to pick up a stronger book of rides elsewhere. That was the case at the Cheltenham Festival last season, as he did not ride all four days at the biggest meeting of the year in Jumps racing.

Injury Hampered His Bid Last Season

Before Boxing Day last season, Bowen had a healthy lead in the 2023/24 Jockeys’ Championship standings, however, he picked up a leg injury at Aintree on Boxing Day which forced him off the track for two months.

Bowen’s absence allowed Cobden to reduce his deficit and then pick up a lead himself before the Welsh rider could return to the saddle. Once Bowen made his comeback at Huntingdon in February, he was often riding with a lot of pain, as he was desperate to get back on the track.

Fortunately for Bowen, he is now fully over his leg injury, and he is 100% fit for the latest campaign. He will be hoping to avoid any nasty falls before the Jumps Jockeys’ Championship ends in April.

Rivals in Latest Campaign

Bowen is expected to be in a tussle for the title with his good friend Cobden once again this season. The defending champion is bidding to become only the fourth jockey to defend their crown since the turn of the century. The Champion Jockey is the number one rider for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls.

This was always a dream to lift this trophy and very lucky a reality, I feel so lucky to have such a great team behind me and so many people to thank. I’m really excited about taking it back to everyone at Lodge Hill @DSkeltonRacing Thankyou. #championjockey pic.twitter.com/YtY1G3zmcv

— Harry Skelton (@harryskelton89) April 24, 2021

Former Champion Jockey Harry Skelton has also made a good start to his campaign. The 2021 winner rides for his brother Dan Skelton, who continues to go from strength to strength as a trainer. The pair will be hoping to complete the double this season across the respective championships.

The 2024/25 Jumps Jockeys’ Championship concludes on the 26th of April on the final day of the season at Sandown Park.