The Bowen boy sounds a really good prospect and what a wonderful opportunity this is, for him, to be tutored by Mr Henderson. Not only is the great man a magnificent trainer of horses but also of people to boot as he is an inspiration, honest and trustworthy, a legend in the sport and an all-round good egg. He is unquestionably the ideal mentor.
I’ve always believed that NH saddle monkeys are rather like buses (don’t fret if one gets injured or doesn’t turn up as there will be another along in 10 minutes) and success can often depend upon being in the right place at the right time, or in the case of one former Champion having a sugar daddy who’s got the hots for them, rather than brilliance in the saddle. I think there is, as I’ve oft said, very little between the top 40 or so riders but one who does seriously impresses me is James’ brother, the above mentioned Sean. I would expect him to replace Sam Twiston-Davies (the forum’s 2nd favourite, Sam double-barrelled) as the number 1 at Ditcheat with the next 18months as he really is a seriously good rider. Sam T-D appears a thoroughly nice chap and in many ways the consummate professional but I don’t put him in Sean Bowen’s class – and the latter is only going to get better.
In the same vein on the level, where jockeyship really counts with races being won and lost by one split second decision on a far, far, far more regular basis, I really rate the Shoemark boy and can see a major job coming his way in the next 18 months. I wouldn’t be surprised if old boy Gosden, Sir Michael and Mr Charlton were all contemplating offers or perhaps another leading barn or owner might also make a similar bid for his services. Really good jockey, people.
