Bowman to appeal careless riding suspension

Winx’s regular rider Hugh Bowman will appeal the severity of a careless riding suspension he received at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Jockey Hugh Bowman, above, will appeal the severity of a careless riding suspension he incurred at Warwick Farm. Photo by Sarah Ebbett.

Jockey Hugh Bowman, above, will appeal the severity of a careless riding suspension he incurred at Warwick Farm. Photo by Sarah Ebbett.

Bowman pleaded guilty to causing interference at the 200m in the Schweppes Handicap when he permitted his mount, High Mist, to shift in causing Silom Road to be checked and was suspended for seven meetings.

Bowman is due to commence his suspension on Sunday and will be free to take his eight rides on the nine event Randwick program this Saturday, including the mount on champion mare Winx in the Group 1 $500,000 Colgate Optic White Stakes (George Main Stakes) (1600m).

Racing NSW Stewards outed Bowman until October 2 and he is hoping to get that reduced but if not he will miss the dual Group 1 meeting at Caulfield on September 24, the Group 1 Moir Stakes night at Moonee Valley on September 30 and the last day of the Sydney Spring Carnival on October 1 that features three Group 1 races, the Flight Stakes (1600m), the Epsom (1600m) and The Metropolitan (2400m).

But Bowman won’t miss out on riding Winx who will have her next start after the George Main Stakes in the Group 1 $600,000 Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 8.

Winx has been installed the $1.16 favourite as she chases her eleventh straight win in the  George Main Stakes and Bowman was very pleased with the way she felt during a 1000m gallop at Rosehill on Wednesday morning.

“She feels great,’’ Bowman said.

“She didn’t do a lot, just breezed around and had a morning out but she feels very comfortable.”

“I’m very excited about her progress.”

“I am satisfied with where she is at, she has tightened up since her last run. She is on track for the weekend.’’

Early market order for the Colgate Optic White Stakes (George Main Stakes) at Ladbrokes.com.au: $1.16 Winx, $11 Tosen Stardom, Hauraki, $15 Le Romain, $26 It’s Somewhat, $101 Great Esteem, $126 Vanburgh, $201 Spiritjim.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.