Sean Bowen achieves lifelong ambition with Champion Jockey title

Pembrokeshire Herald

28-04-2025

SEAN BOWEN has realised his boyhood dream after being crowned Champion Jockey, rounding off a remarkable season of dedication, success and resilience.
The 27-year-old from Pembrokeshire clocked up an astonishing 75,000 miles over the season, with 902 rides and 180 winners to his name — a journey that ended with him making history as the first Welsh champion since Fred Winter in 1958.
Earlier this year, Bowen reached 1,000 career wins, but his sights were firmly set on claiming the championship crown.
'Reaching 1,000 wins was an incredible milestone, something not many jockeys get to experience,' Bowen said. 'But becoming Champion Jockey has been my real dream for the last few years. I gave it everything after missing out last year.'
Bowen's previous attempt at the title ended in heartbreak after a Boxing Day knee injury derailed his campaign while he was leading. This season, he was determined not to let history repeat itself.
'I knew I had to start fast and keep the pressure on,' he said. 'Harry Skelton pushed me hard around Christmas, but I managed to rebuild the lead. It's been relentless, but every mile, every ride, was worth it for this.'
The physical and mental demands of the season were immense, but Bowen remained focused.
'It's tough, not having a day off, always chasing rides. I've kept myself fit, but it takes just as much strength mentally. I hate the idea of someone else winning on a horse I should have been riding — that keeps me moving, even if it means driving across the country in a day,' he said.
Family at the heart of success
Bowen paid tribute to his parents, Peter and Karen Bowen, both respected trainers, who supported his career from the very beginning.
'Mum and Dad sacrificed so much, driving thousands of miles just so we could race ponies. Seeing how hard they worked made me want to work just as hard,' he said.
He also praised his partner, Harriet, for standing by him through the challenges of the racing calendar.
'Harriet has been amazing. I barely see her during the season. We're getting married in July, and I can't wait for some proper time together on our honeymoon.'
Finishing on a high
Bowen's final week of the season couldn't have been scripted better. He rode a remarkable five winners at Ffos Las — his home track — a career first that left him 'over the moon.'
'That five-timer was something special — in front of my family and the Welsh crowd too. It's a day I'll remember forever,' he said.
He followed it up by winning the Irish Grand National aboard Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis — another proud moment for Welsh racing.
'Winning the Irish Grand National was the biggest moment of my career,' Bowen said. 'To win for a Welsh trainer and beat the Irish on their turf made it even sweeter.'
To put the icing on the cake, he capped off the season with victory in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, riding Resplendent Grey for trainer Olly Murphy.
From childhood dreams to standing at the top of the sport, Sean Bowen's journey has come full circle — and he is not done yet.