David Probert Saddles Up And Heads Far East

David Probert, Wales's leading Flat jockey, is set for a surprise move to Hong Kong.

He was granted a part-time licence by the Hong Kong Jockey Club this week to ride in one of racing's most lucrative jurisdictions when the season starts on September 7.

Probert, 36, joins a growing list of British-based jockeys to make the move along with Derby-winning jockey Richard Kingscotem, Harry Bentley and Andrea Atzeni.

The Bargoed-born rider is Wales' best on the Flat, having accumulated over 1,600 winners and is one of the biggest names yet to win a Group 1. 

He has, however, won 12 times at Group 2 level including only earlier this month in Ascot's Summer Mile aboard Never So Brave.

Probert has ridden a total of 64 winners in 2025 and occupies 13th spot in the Flat Jockeys' Championship.

 

Welsh yards set to open to public

You can see behind the scenes at two of Wales's most successful training yards for free as part of the industry-wide National Racehorse Week, which runs between August 23 and 31.

Welsh Grand National-winning trainer Christian Williams will allow members of the public to see his stunning set-up at Ogmore Farm, near Bridgend, on Tuesday August 26th. 

His facility is one of the country's most unique with horses training on the beach.

On August 30 attention turns to Tim Vaughan, based near Cowbridge, with the trainer to show off his racehorses, demonstrate how horses are prepared for the races and give an insight into his top talents for the year ahead.

Horses from Christian Williams' stables in the river next to Ogmore Castle . Pic: Alamy

There is also an opportunity for those in West Wales to attend a morning at Spiteri Retraining, a yard which looks after retired racehorses. 

Sophie Spiteri, based in the village of Beulah, has transitioned some horses to compete in equestrian disciplines, but her work plays a vital role in finding homes for horses after they have finished racing.

A free visit to her facility is open on August 24 and she will take visitors to the beach where horses will jump obstacles on the beautiful Poppit Sands.

To book your place visit the National Racehorse Week website.

 

Mickey underlines training talent on stellar weekend

There was no success for all three of the Bowen brothers in the prestigious Summer Plate at Market Rasen on Saturday, but the trio had reason to celebrate on the day.

Mickey Bowen, the trainer, enjoyed two winners on the card and each ridden by one of his brothers. 

James partnered the well-gambled Broughshane to win the 2m4½f handicap hurdle on ITV, while Sean steered Lermoos Legend to win later on the day. 

He was also doubling up after a winner earlier on the card.

Courtland, who is a legend for the Pembrokeshire stable, finished a brave second in the Summer Plate. 

He found only the well-backed Irish runner Ballysax Hank too good in the closing stages.

James Bowen (left) and Sean Bowen (right). Pic. Alamy

Mickey Bowen, who took over from his father Peter at the start of the season, also had a winner at Cartmel on Saturday. 

Then, at the other end of the country, won at Newton Abbot with La Quarite.

Quite incredibly, Sean and James Bowen now occupy the first two positions in the early stages of the jump jockeys' championship. 

Sean has ridden 58 winners and is well clear as he looks to defend the title, but James is on 25 putting him five clear of former champions Harry Skelton and Brian Hughes.