Teenage north Pembrokeshire riding sensation James Bowen hit the headlines again on Saturday seven days after riding the winner of the Coral
Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.
The 16-year-old son of Peter and Karen Bowen who train near Letterston, is a conditional jockey with four times champion trainer Nicky Henderson in Berkshire.
He was up on the stable’s eight-year-old William Henry in the 32Red Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs at Kempton offering prize money of £45,000.
The horse was one of three allotted top weight in the handicap, although James Bowen claimed a more than handy 5lb as a conditional jockey.
At the second last flight there were several horses in with a chance but approaching the final obstacle it was a straight fight between WilliamHenry, Red Indian and Spiritofthegame.
James got a big jump from his mount at the last when he needed one to take a slender advantage and found plenty in te run for the line to win by three quarters of a length at odds of 7/1.
An ecstatic jockey said: “I thought he had a very good chance. He’s jumped really well today and gone and done it.”
Referring to his outstanding recent success he said: “I find it hard to believe things are going as well as they are. It’s incredible and hopefully it will continue.”
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