James Bowen Savours Cheltenham Festival Triumph One Year After Ban

The Welsh jockey, younger brother of champion jockey Sean, finally celebrated his first success at jump racing’s biggest stage.

The 25-year-old steered the Nicky Henderson-trained mare to a commanding win in the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup, pulling clear in the closing stages to triumph by five and a half lengths after a fluent round of jumping.

For Bowen, the moment carried added significance following a frustrating absence from the festival 12 months earlier as he sat out a ban for excessive use of the whip.

“It feels good,” said Bowen.

“Obviously, I missed the whole festival last year. I have been injured twice and got banned last year. I have not had a clear run at it.”

Reflecting further on the milestone, he admitted the success carried a sense of making up for lost time.

“It’s great to get a winner on the first day, and I suppose it’s a bit of redemption for last year as I missed the whole festival, so it’s great to do it a year after.

“I’ve had some great days. I can’t say it’s a career highlight, but it’s up there. I’ve been with Mr Henderson for eight years now and he’s been extremely good to me. 

“Nico [de Boinville] was sitting in the weighing room watching and he had every right to put him on, but he’s very loyal and I appreciate everything he’s done for me.”

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Bowen had been forced to sit out the entire festival last season due to a seven-day suspension for excessive whipping, adding to a run of setbacks that had also included injury.

His breakthrough victory represented a significant personal milestone, as well as an important moment for the Bowen family.

Although brother Sean Bowen has enjoyed enormous success in the saddle, it was his younger brother James who became the first of the Pembrokeshire siblings to record a Cheltenham Festival winner.

Sean finished sixth in the same race aboard Wade Out and was quick to congratulate his brother after the line, embracing him following the finish.

Trainer Mickey Bowen, another member of the racing family, was also represented in the contest with Holokea, who came home eighth.

The race itself saw fellow Welsh jockey Ben Jones take the early initiative aboard Pic Roc, who set the pace in the gruelling three-mile-six-furlong contest. 

However, the front-runner faded during the final mile as the stamina test began to take its toll.

By contrast, Holloway Queen travelled strongly throughout and produced a polished display of jumping that ultimately proved decisive.

“I am glad we went for it in the end. She was incredible to jump - that is the best she ever jumped for me. She got into a lovely rhythm,” Bowen said.

Holloway Queen jumped the penultimate fence with a two-length advantage and stayed on powerfully to cross the line five and a half lengths ahead of runner-up King Of Answers.

The victory also continued a successful partnership between Bowen and Henderson, with the pair enjoying a productive season together.