The rider, who is on a red-hot run of winners, was stood down after a nasty fall at Fontwell on Thursday when his mount was brought down
SEAN BOWEN will be back in action at Cheltenham on Friday after the champion jockey’s hot streak was brought to an abrupt halt at Fontwell Park.
The Welshman is flying in his title defence – he holds a 117-49 lead over nearest pursuer, and younger brother, James at the top of the riders’ standings for the 2025-26 campaign.
But the 28-year-old was stood down from two mounts at the West Sussex track after being brought down from the James Owen-trained Big Bert in the opening Bet Clever BetGoodwin Maiden Hurdle (Div I).
“I just felt a bit sore after I rode but the plan is to ride tomorrow,” said Bowen, who has four booked rides on the opening day of Cheltenham’s two-day Showcase fixture.
“I landed awkwardly. It was a weird old fall, and I’ve got to pass the doctor but hopefully all is well in the morning.”
The fall meant Bowen drew a blank from two mounts after riding back-to-back four-timers at Perth on Tuesday and Worcester on Wednesday.
All bar one of the octet were trained by the jockey’s boss Olly Murphy and Bowen added: “It’s been incredible, but I think there’s been a lot said about how good my week has been and probably not enough has been said about how good Olly’s week has been.
“Seven of the eight winners over the last two days were Olly’s – his horses are in flying form – when you’re riding for good stables that’s obviously a big help to a jockey.”
Bowen’s red-hot form has drawn comparisons with legendary 20-time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy on social media.
“It’s nice but I’ve got a few more years of winning the championship before I can be compared to him!” he laughed.
Meanwhile, Benvenuto Cellini, a big drifter in the William Hill Futurity Trophy on Wednesday, is back to 6-5 favourite with the sponsor being declared, along with five rivals, for Doncaster’s Group 1 two-year-old test on Saturday.