Bowman to return Saturday

CHAMPION jockey Hugh Bowman could be back riding as early as next weekend despite suffering concussion in a dramatic fall at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Bowman spent the night in hospital under observation after he was sensationally dumped form Golden Slipper contender Performer in the Todman Stakes.

The world’s top-rated jockey was released from hospital and was resting at home yesterday. He is likely to ride on the opening day of the Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill next Saturday although he needs a medical clearance from Racing NSW officials.

Bowman’s manager, Bryan Haskins, indicated the jockey will only have a light book of rides including Zousain or Adana in the Pago Pago Stakes, and Calculated in the Phar Lap Stakes.

Trainer Chris Waller said Bowman’s fall was a reality check about the dangers a jockey faces every time he or she is legged into the saddle for a race ride, barrier trial or trackwork.

“I saw Hugh straight afterwards and it puts everything into perspective – what jockeys do as a job and the pressure we sometimes put them under,’’ Waller said.

Racing NSW stewards have ordered Performer must trial before being permitted to race again. “It leaves us in an awkward position but not an impossible position,’’ Waller said.