Bowman back in saddle as Winx is set for Ryder
RACING’S great partnership, Hugh Bowman and Winx, is back on deck.
Just before sunrise at Rosehill Gardens trackwork yesterday, Hugh Bowman rode Winx in a steady gallop, the first time he has been in the saddle for 10 days.
Trainer Chris Waller was a relieved man. He’s got the band back together again.
Bowman has been under a fitness cloud since suffering concussion when thrown from Performer during the Todman Stakes at Randwick on March 10.
The champion jockey gained a medical clearance to resume riding on Monday and climbed aboard Winx yesterday to prepare for the Group 1 $ 1 million The Agency George Ryder Stakes ( 1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Bowman and Winx worked in unison, poetry in motion, as the mare completed her morning exercise at a steady gallop.
“Winx is going so well,’’ Bowman said in a warning to Ryder rivals. “I think she has come on since her last race.’’
Bowman also rode in a couple of barrier trials to prove his fitness to ride at Newcastle tomorrow. “I’m all systems go,’’ he said.
With Winx aiming for a world record 17th Group 1 win on Saturday, moving past the standard set by American champion John Henry back in 1984, it is understood Australian Turf Club officials and the mare’s owners are negotiating to name a race in her honour.
ATC officials would not comment on the issue yesterday but it is believed the Warwick Stakes, run over 1400m at Randwick in August, will be elevated to Group 1 level this year and will be renamed the Winx Warwick Stakes.