Sean D. Bowen Named Champion Apprentice Jockey, As Murphy Regains Champion Jockey Crown

[Wandering Eyes]

After a fierce battle throughout the season, Sean Dylan Bowen edged Joe Leavy by two victories to be named the British Champion Apprentice Flat Jockey for 2024 at Catterick Racecourse, Great British Racing announced on Saturday.

Bowen rode 44 winners (13%) for the year, while Leavy was second on 42 and Kaiya Fraser made up third at 34. The wins were accumulated inside a set period of May 4- Oct. 19.

The Irishman won an apprentice race at Doncaster in March, only his second ride since relocating to Britain, and the momentum built from there. Earlier in the week Bowen was three wins clear of Leavy by Thursday, but the pair each won a race at Haydock Park on Friday. Leavy won the second race at Catterick on Saturday to bring him within two to tie Bowen, but both jockeys were out of luck in a handicap later in the day, sealing the title for Bowen.

The 18-year-old, who rides for boss trainer James Owens, said, “The main reason I came over [to Britain] was there's more racing here than in Ireland, and my ambition was just to pick up as many rides as I could and hopefully have some winners along the way. It's definitely been a help having the experience of coming over [to Britain] for the odd ride last season.”

Owens said, “Sean is a real team player with a great head on his shoulders, very well mannered, and an extremely natural horseman. He has been incredibly committed this season and has a very bright future ahead of him. Myself and the team couldn't be happier and more proud of him.”

Oisin Murphy formally regained the British Champion Flat Jockey title on Saturday. Murphy was winning it for the fourth time, having prevailed in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Dale Gibson, racing director for the PJA, said, “Congratulations to Sean on winning the coveted champion apprentice title. Bowen follows in the footsteps of outstanding champion jockeys such as the late Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery, alongside the current stars such as Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore, Will Buick and Oisin Murphy. Sean has been a model of consistency all year and fought out a terrific battle with Joe until the final day of the apprentice championship. We wish Sean and all his apprentice colleagues continued success in future.”

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