Racing Post journalist James Stevens looks at events at Cheltenham and a potential life-changing moment for Welsh jockeys
Sean Bowen has closed the gap in the race to be champion jockey to just one following another fine week across the country but his attentions have swiftly turned to a potential half-a-million pound payday.
The top Welsh jockey was among four riders at a launch of a new £1.5 million David Power Jockey Cup this weekend. The competition, which started at Cheltenham’s November meeting and finishes on Grand National day, will involve jockeys earning points for their finishes in ITV races across the season.
Bowen is amongst the key contenders and started strongly by sharing the race for the £500,000 first prize with Harry Cobden on 46 points. It comes after a string of seconds at jump racing HQ while his winner on Abuffalosoldier was marred as the horse died moments after the race from a heart attack.
That was a first success at the meeting having had five second-place finishes and a fall on Gunsight Ridge, who was challenging before coming down at the last.
Bowen said: “I’d take the £500,000 over being champion jockey, but I’ll give it a go. We’re all very competitive and the minute we jockeys heard about it we all talked about winning the main prize.”
The champion jockey title is certainly still on the agenda though as he kicked off the week with success at Kempton, aboard Pyramid Place, before continuing his scorching form with doubles at Huntingdon and Bangor.
Success at Bangor could well be the launchpad to more to come as he scored in Listed company on the Gordon Elliott-trained Shecouldbeanything, who could emerge as a Mares Chase contender this season. She is 33-1 with Dragonbet for that potential target.
Elsewhere, Junker d’Allier is another smart talent. He won with ease in the 2m½f novice hurdle and could be a horse to watch for Olly Murphy.
Ahead of Cheltenham, Bowen was also successful at Market Rasen and his total tally going into the new week is 81.
James Bowen, Sean’s younger brother, missed Cheltenham on Saturday and Sunday but was rewarded with winners on both days.
He was successful on Nicky Henderson’s hugely exciting prospect Kingston Pride at Uttoxeter before enjoying a Sunday double at Fontwell on Kado De Joie and Quantock Hills.
Jack Tudor picked up four points in the Jockey Cup standings for a fourth-place finish on Saturday while he continued his good run after the Grand Sefton win with victories at Lingfield and Southwell.
Rising star
Callum Pritchard was the talk of the sport last week when partnering Al Dancer to a 25-1 shock in the Badger Beer at Wincanton and he continued his fine season with two winners.
He delivered a perfect ride on veteran Celebre d’Allen at Bangor on Wednesday before Densworth continued the good run with a commanding win at Wetherby on Saturday.
Big night
The stars of Welsh racing are set to gather at the Vale resort on Thursday for the Welsh Horse Racing Awards. Prizes commemorate the best jockeys, trainers, horses, owners and performances across the year.
