One to watch

[jinnyj]

Sorry not about a certainty next time merely a jockey who I think is going to make quite an impact.

James Bowen, son of NH trainer, Peter and brother of Sean Bowen made his point to point debut 10 days ago at Howick (near Chepstow) on his 16th birthday - the earliest he was allowed to ride. He had 5 rides and notched up 2 wins and a second. Last Saturday he came to the meeting I was covering and had one ride in the Mixed Open, he won that. On Sunday he had another ride - won that too! Not only is he very stylish but when I interviewed him he was friendly, polite and very articulate. I think much of that is down to him Mum, Karen who keeps all 3 sons grounded (elder brother Mickey trains the pointers) and she has sent him out to Gordon Elliot's for the last 2 summers to ride out as well as riding out 8-9 lots per day for his Dad. He's also had some 80 rides in pony & Arab races.

Yes the horses may well be schoolmasters (Universal Soldier won at our meeting) but it was just his whole demeanour that really impressed me. This is a lad to keep an eye on!

[jinnyj]

I thought I'd give you an update on this lad 2 months on. Nothing short of phenomenal in my opinion! He is currently set to take the Novice Riders title (from the very talented Lorcan Williams who rides for the Sally Alner stable amongst others - he looked head and shoulders above anyone else until James came along) and boasts an impressive 26 wins from 50 rides to date! That's a strike rate of 52%!!! And he only started riding in points on 12th March! Had he started at the beginning of the season, we'd be looking at him challenging the legend that is Will Biddick (he's on 41) for the National title.

I would imagine he will be thinking about turning conditional once the pointing season is over (June 17th) so keep an eye open for him!

[DanB88]

Had his first rules winner on Curious Carlos at Cartmel on Saturday as well. Gave it a very stylish ride picking up the leader coming to the last.

[jinnyj]

Didn't spot that! Cartmel is a tricky track too.

[jinnyj]

He rode a treble today at Trecoed and is now in second spot for outright champion behind Will Biddick.

[wilsonl]

Joins Hendo's yard as conditional

[jinnyj]

Yes I heard about 6 weeks ago and stuck it in a write up I did, then panicked thinking I was imagining it!! Really pleased he's going somewhere like that where he'll get the opportunities hopefully.

[tiggers1972]

Looking for odds on him being Champion conditional?

[Tanlic]

I put Il Primo Sole up 2 m0onths ago watch him **** up today..short price but I don't care

[Tanlic]

Ouch can't believe it

[Desert Orchid]

Can I ask those in a better position to know....

If young Bowen has joined Hendo, does that give the trainer the say in when/whether the jockey can ride for outside stables?

I presume Hendo has big handicaps in mind and will want the jockey to keep as much of his allowance as possible for when he needs him so, in letting him away to ride for another trainer, is he doing so on condition that the lad is not allowed to ride a winner? After all, presumably he is paying him a retainer of sorts for a reason so why then allow another trainer to take advantage of the allowance you're paying him to have?

Just curious...

[Maruco]

My guess is he'll continue riding for his Dad when available but outside that Henderson will want him given the size of his string. And outside spares would be rare you'd think.

[Desert Orchid]

Thanks, Maruco.

I see he's down for one of Skelton's today (as well as one for his dad) so was wondering if it was a positive or a negative.

[Maruco]

I'd say he's a positive whatever he rides Maurice. That said Harry rides the mare instead so James can take seven off, and I reckon Late Night Lily is a cracking ew bet at 16/1 for Harry. The horse I'm all over though is Cloonacool. Max bet for me today.

[Desert Orchid]

The horse I'm all over though is Cloonacool. Max bet for me today.

Must have a serious shout if back to his best.

[Maruco]

Almost certainly he's been targeted at this Maurice. I've just read your write ups for both of the big races at MR by the way. We are in an almost identical position.

[jinnyj]

He looked pretty good today at Ascot!

[edgt]

Grand dam of Mercy Mercy Me , bumper winner at Sandown today, is a full sister to Monsignor.
The cross of Shirocco and Classic Cliche could be very very nice .
Wishing Malcolm Denmark all the best with him, a big scopy unfurnished horse.

[Tanlic]

Was very impressive, 2nd horse was still pulling a cart when headed the 3rd and he just swept past him

[jinnyj]

Well I only started this thread 9 months ago and he's already won a Welsh Grand National!! And I thought the ride was superb especially as the horse was not exactly impressing during the race and I was wondering when he was going to be pulled up. He is riding with the maturity of a jockey at least in his twenties. And yet he's still only 16. I know we do have these lads who come with their useful claims and once they have gone, they just remain at a similar level (Sean his brother was feted at an early age) but I think this lad is in a different league.