Popular young Pembrokeshire jockey James Bowen is back resting at home at Little Newcastle after a bad fall at the ‘Seven Burrows’ stable in Lambourn where he works for top trainer Nicky Henderson.

In his short time as a professional jockey he has certainly carried on the family tradition by becoming a highly-respected jockey, with his parents Peter and Karen as superb trainers from their Yet-y-Rhug Stables, with brothers Micky and Sean also involved, the former as a talented young trainer in his own right and the latter as another highly-rated jump jockey.

James created history by becoming the youngest jockey to win the Welsh National when, aged 16, he rode Raz de Maree to victory in 2017 and went on to become champion conditional jockey, breaking the previous record for winners set by his brother.
 

Tony McCoy to the rescue

His high skill levels and affinity with horses earned him a coveted place at ‘Seven Burrows with top trainer Henderson and James already has 42 winners this season – and it was whilst riding out at a session that his mount fell at a hurdle and James was knocked unconscious in front of a group of onlookers that included Mr Henderson and Sir Anthony McCoy, the multi-times champion jockey before retiring.

McCoy was first to tend to James and the young jockey, now aged 20, was taken to Great Western Hospital, Swindon, where he later received the all-clear but now has to take a mandatory three-week break.
 

Trainer Henderson describes the incident

Speaking about the fall, Henderson said: “It was horrendous and very scary. He was knocked out and the man who gets the medical medal is AP. He was absolutely brilliant.

“There were about six of us looking after him. He was unconscious and choking. AP had to get his mouth open, which was proving extremely difficult.”

The incident meant that James missed the ride on Henderson’s ‘Mister Fisher’, in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and was replaced by his brother, Sean.
 

And finally . . .

‘PembrokeshireSport.co.uk’ spoke to Sean on Boxing Day and he told us that he was feeling much better and had ridden out that day for some gentle exercise and also enjoyed a run around the lanes near Little Newcastle.

“I had the best of attention in Lambourn before my mother brought me home and I enjoyed a proper Christmas meal – and now it is a matter of keeping my fitness levels so that I can start racing again as soon as possible.”
.