Bowen aiming for first Cheltenham Festival victory

Sean Bowen has achieved most of what there is to accomplish as a jockey but there is one glaring omission on his impressive CV.

Bowen is the reigning champion jockey and is on course to win the title again this season with 210 wins, a massive 107 more than second-placed Harry Skelton who has just 103.

But Sean – along with his brothers, jockey James and trainer Mickey – has yet to land a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

Not that the 28-year-old from Pembrokeshire is letting that stat get to him.

“Not really, I’ll go there as I go racing every day and hope to ride winners and do my best,” said Bowen, who has more than 1,250 career wins.

“Hopefully this year we’ll get it. I’ve got a few chances and definitely got a few better rides this year.

One of Bowen’s best opportunities could come in the prestigious Gold Cup on Friday (16:00 GMT), when he rides the Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs.

“I think he’s been trained very, very well by Becky,” said Bowen, who has already won several big races aboard the nine-year-old.

“He’s already a Cheltenham Festival winner, he’s a Welsh Grand National winner and an Irish Grand National winner. It would be great to add a Gold Cup to the CV, wouldn’t it?

“I believe he’s well capable of doing that.”

The Champion Jockey is also looking forward to other chances at the festival.

“Wade Out is only second or third favourite for the National Hunt chase, and he’s been trained for the race,” Bowen added.

“Ammes, trained by James Owen, is going for the Fred Winter. He’s been impressive in the early part of his hurdling career and he’s been freshened up for Cheltenham.