Bowman welcomes Sydney campaign
CHAMPION jockey Hugh Bowman is keen to refocus on racing in the Harbour City in 2017 after an unforgettable year – but one that had him spending more time in transit lounges than on his couch.
It seems a strange statement but Bowman has been almost a cameo figure in Sydney for the best part of nine months because of interstate and international opportunities and, of course, Winx.
“I’d like to hope Winx can come back and do what she did for us over the last 18 months,’’ he said.
“I have seen her but I haven’t been on her back yet.
“She’s in the forefront of my mind but I have the Magic Millions next week.’’
Bowman has five rides at Warwick Farm today, his first meeting in Sydney since Christmas Eve.
After that he will pilot Magic Millions 2YO favourite From Within at the Gold Coast, then the immediate future will be all about Sydney.
Remarkably, he’s only had 130 rides in Sydney this season for 20 winners.
“I’d like to get my body back to peak fitness and, although I’m in good shape, I want to consolidate myself back in Sydney,’’ the three-time premier jockey said.
“I’ve hardly ridden in Sydney all season.
“I’ve been so busy with travel and opportunities throughout Australia and abroad.
“Since I rode at The Championships, I’ve only spent one full month riding in Sydney, which was September.’’
A family holiday at his farm in Dunedoo served as a freshener for Bowman and he said the hard work had begun on priming his body and mind for what lies ahead.
Winx’s first public appearance since her record-breaking second Cox Plate win is only weeks away.
The champion mare is set to trial this month before her exclusively Sydney autumn campaign, which is due to start in the Apollo Stakes over 1400m on February 11.
Bowman said the Winx phenomenon did take a toll but he was comfortable with his role as something of a public figure now with the demands on his time.
“The extra commitment that I have to the media and the public with Winx has taken my career to a new stage,’’ he said.
“The main focus for me is to be 100 per cent all the time, but to be able to sustain that high focus level in the big meetings requires a new level of management.
“The reality is the horses I’m riding in the major races are all winning chances so that comes with a high level of responsibility.”
Bowman combines with Winx’s trainer Chris Waller for three of his five rides today and one of them, Invinzabeel in the #theraces Sprint (1200m), has been among the best backed with TAB Fixed Odds.
“He’s had a spaced preparation, trialled well the other day and he won’t mind a bit of softness in the ground,’’ Bowman said.
Bowman also rides Jaminzah, Grand Rouge, Olympic Academy and Sonic Swish.