James Bowen Goes Two From Two . . . on Jingko Blue

It secured the Pembrokeshire rider’s second success of the meeting just a day after landing his first.

Bowen, the younger brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, produced a confident front-running ride on the seven-year-old, who had been heavily supported in the betting before the race. 

Sent off the 9-2 favourite after being backed from 10-1 overnight, Jingko Blue led throughout and powered clear after the final flight to defeat Franciscan Rock by six lengths, with Storm Heart finishing third.

READ MORE: James Bowen Savours Cheltenham Festival Triumph One Year After Ban

The victory followed Bowen’s maiden festival triumph 24 hours earlier aboard Holloway Queen in the National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase, marking a memorable week for the Welsh rider.

Reflecting on his growing success at the meeting, Bowen admitted he had previously found winners at Cheltenham hard to come by.

"I don't know why I found it so hard to get a winner here previously. It wasn't the plan to make the running. He just ended up there and he's a good horse.

"Sean [Bowen's brother] was the first to congratulate me even though he has yet to win a race at the festival. He's always been my biggest supporter."

READ MORE: Cheltenham Festival to Host Welsh Battle as Sean Bowen Goes Head-to-Head with Ben Jones for Gold Cup

Bowen had not originally intended to take the race by the scruff of the neck, but once Jingko Blue found himself in front, the jockey allowed the horse to stride on. 

The pair established a comfortable rhythm during the opening circuit, tracked closely by Franciscan Rock.

READ MORE: Bowen Family Lead Welsh Charge as Chepstow Hosts DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival

The chasing pack moved closer approaching the final bend, but Bowen asked for more on the run to the last hurdle and Jingko Blue responded strongly, pulling away on the run-in to win decisively.

For trainer Nicky Henderson, the result continued a highly productive start to the festival.

It was his third victory of the week – following wins with Old Park Star and Holloway Queen on the opening day – and the 78th Cheltenham Festival success of his career.

Henderson was impressed with Bowen’s initiative in the saddle, even if it had not been the original tactic.

"I thought James was interesting – it wasn’t exactly the plan to make the running, but he did it exceptionally well, didn’t he? It was great.

"He’s not the easiest horse to keep on the right side of – when he’s good, he’s very talented, but he’s not the easiest.

"At least the owner has got a day to calm down before Jango Baie in the Gold Cup. He might need it!”

Jingko Blue runs in the colours of owner Tony Barney, whose silks carry deep personal meaning following the loss of his son James in 2008. 

The win was particularly emotional for Barney and his wife Donna, coming a year after their Arkle success with Jango Baie.

Barney said: "These colours are sentimental to us after losing our son James and we think Jingko Blue is as good as Jango Baie after that.

"It was great to have James Bowen riding as he has the same first name and initials as our son, who we lost in 2008. We're so proud of James for what he's done today."