Bowman cleared for return

CHAMPION jockey Hugh Bowman has been cleared to ride Winx in the George Ryder Stakes and Performer in the Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Bowman gained a medical clearance to resume riding yesterday after suffering concussion when he fell from Performer in the Todman Stakes 10 days ago.

He was required to undergo a cognitive test before Racing NSW stewards and medical staff and was given the green light to return to the saddle in time for Sydney’s signature raceday, the Golden Slipper meeting.

Bowman said last night he would ride trackwork this morning and planned to take rides at Newcastle races on Thursday as preparation for Slipper Day.

The world’s top-rated jockey is likely to have a full book of rides at Rosehill on Saturday in- cluding mighty mare Winx as she aims for her 24th consecutive win in the Group 1 $1 million George Ryder Stakes and Performer in the $3.5 million Longines Golden Slipper.

“I won’t ride Wednesday at the Gosford races but I will take rides Thursday,’’ Bowman said.

“I’m still a bit sore in the shoulder from the fall and I wouldn’t say I’m feeling on top of the world but compared to last week, I am feeling a lot better. I can function now but last week I was feeling as flat as a tack.’’

Bowman stood down from riding last week after receiving advice from a neurosurgeon to have more rest.

This cost him rides at the Coolmore Classic meeting at Rosehill last Saturday and in the Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said Bowman passed with “flying colours” the cognitive tests for memory, awareness and brain function.