Sean Bowen Q&A blog

Do you get more satisfaction from a front-running ride when you judge the pace to perfection, or a hold-up ride when you deliver them at exactly the right moment? – Leroy

That is a really great question, and very difficult to answer because I love doing both. I’d probably just side with holding one up and judging it perfectly when all the gaps open up for you, because it just feels like you’ve done everything right as a jockey when you manage to do that.

Is there a horse you’ve ridden this season that you think we should keep an eye on for Cheltenham? – Sara

I can’t think of many I’ve ridden that I’d say would be going to Cheltenham with really solid claims. Although he probably won’t go to Cheltenham, one I’d keep an eye on for the rest of the season is definitely Booster Bob. He’s 3-3 over hurdles so far, and I’d say he’s one of the most exciting horses I’ve ridden this season.

Which racecourse do you find the trickiest to ride and why? – Gavin 

That is very difficult to answer, because there’s no one racecourse springing to mind to be honest. I’d probably say either Doncaster or Taunton, not because they are particularly difficult to ride, but they are the racecourses that I seem to have the least luck at.

If you could ride any horse past or present in any race, who would it be and in what race? – horseracingfans

I’ve said this plenty of times I think, but it would have to be Denman in the Gold Cup. I thought his performance when he won it was absolutely superb, and I’d have loved to have ridden him.

Is there a young up & coming jockey that we should keep an eye on? – Greg

 There are some really good riders coming through, and it’s difficult to pick just one actually. Even though he’s had plenty of success already, I do think Ben Jones will do even better in time, so although I’m sure most people are aware of his talents already, I think he’ll continue to go from strength to strength. 

If you had to make a five-a-side football team from your weighing room colleagues, which four jockeys would join you on your team? – Lucas

This is tough actually, but I’d have to go for…..

Harry Reed – He’d definitely be one because he fancies himself as a bit of a football hooligan.

Gavin Sheehan – Because he just seems to be good at every single sport he tries, so I’m sure he’d be a good footballer.

Danny McMenamin – I seem to remember playing football up North one day, and he was quite good, so I’ll have to select him.

James Bowen – I have to pick my brother don’t I, and I know he’d get stuck into anybody!

When will you be back racing, we miss you! – Gina

That is very kind! I’m hoping to be back riding in a few weeks’ time. The first few days are always ok, because it feels nice to have a break, but I’m now at the stage where I’m getting frustrated, and I’m desperate to get back out there.

And a few sent in from your weighing room colleagues….

What is your dad’s nickname and why? (Robbie Dunne)

Hahaha! I believe everyone calls him ‘Galileo’ on account of his offspring turning out pretty well!

Where do you get your haircut? (Kielan Woods) 

This is a stitch up! Nowhere, because I’d say I’m on my last one!

Who would you most like to beat you in a photo finish? (Harry Reed)

I never want to be beaten in a photo finish, but I’ll keep it in the family if I have to and say James!