Top Jumps Jockey Sean Bowen returns to talk us through his rides for the weekend, a brief Noble Yeats update and of course the weather.
We have sponsored Sean for a while now, and we’re extremely excited to unleash his blog on site to give you an insight into the weighing room, the latest on his big weekend rides and opinion on all the big races! Follow Sean’s blog each week for his thoughts exclusively.
About Sean
At 25 years old Sean has now established himself as one of the top riders in UK Jumps racing. He was Champion Conditional Jockey in 2015 and has gone from strength-to-strength ever since. He won his first Grade 1 with on If The Cap Fits in 2019 in the Liverpool Hurdle, and his latest one was on Metier in the Tolworth Hurdle last season. Sean currently sits second in the Jump Jockey Championship.
My Cheltenham Rides
The ground didn’t feel too soft on Tuesday as the times suggested. With it opening up and a bit of rain on the course it might be a bit softer on Thursday.
Wednesday
Cross Country Chase – Back On The Lash
I quite like riding in this contest, even more so than when I have a winner. Back On The Lash. He won the Cross Country here over the winter but the race is off level weights today. I think he can run well and if he runs well and gets in the top 3 we’d be delighted. It looks a tough ask with both Delta Work and Galvin who are both nearly at Gold Cup standard.
Champion Bumper – Ecanto Bruno
He’s definitely not without a chance. There’s so many in here and they’ve all won so you can’t say for certain any of them don’t have a chance. The one thing about my horse is he has course form and he won round here really impressively. I think he has as good a chance as any.
Thursday
Pertemps Hurdle – Itchy Feet
He wasn’t jumping that well until he was sent back over hurdles. He won straight away at Huntingdon and then ran very, very well again at Haydock the last time. The question mark around him is whether he will handle the big field I guess. He might not enjoy the hustle and bustle, if he does he has a good each way chance.
Plate Chase – Fugitif
This is my best chance on Thursday. He loves the track and a big field handicap. He travels and jumps well which makes my job easier. He certainly goes there with a big chance in a competitive race.
Mares’ Novice Hurdle – Ahorsewithnoname
She’s an outsider but finished a 50/1 runner-up in this race last year. She then went and won a couple of flat races so looked to have been progressing nicely. Since going back over hurdles she’s not been in the same form, but if she can repeat her effort in last year’s race she’s in with a chance. Obviously her stablemate Luccia is the one to beat, I do think she will win the race as she has that touch of class about her.
Friday
Triumph Hurdle – Hypotenus
This is a hot race and he’s only had the one start, so there’s plenty in here with more experience than him. Willie Mullins has the top four in the betting so he’s going to be tough to beat, and we finished behind one of his (Zenta) on that debut run in Grade 3 company at Fairyhouse. Hopefully he comes on for the run and if he does, he’s in with an each-way chance.
Gold Cup – Noble Yeats
He’s obviously my best ride of the week and I’m really looking forward to riding in the Gold Cup for the first time. He’s a horse that stays well, jumps well, and the softer ground will suit him so I think he’s in with a big chance. I’m expecting the race to be run at a strong gallop, which will suit his style as he’ll be coming home well.
The Gold Cup and the Grand National are the races you watch growing up so to be lucky enough to ride a horse with a chance in them is special. It would be absolutely massive and it’s what we do the job for.