Bowman to bounce back soon after fall

Australian champion jockey Hugh Bowman – the regular pilot of super mare Winx – 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 from 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 might ride on the opening day of the Golden Slipper Carnival at Rosehill next Saturday although he will need a medical clearance from Racing New South Wales officials before being allowed back in the saddle.

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.

Chris Waller, trainer of Winx, 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 up them under,” Waller said.

Fortunately, Bowman has managed to escape relatively unscathed and is likely to be reunited with Performer in the Golden Slipper in two weeks.

Racing NSW stewards have ordered that Performer must run a barrier trial before being permitted to race again.

“It leaves us in an awkward position but not an impossible position,” Waller said.

“We will trial him either on the Tuesday before (the Golden Slipper) at Rosehill or on the Monday at Hawkesbury if the weather looks threatening. We will consider blinkers.” - news.co.au