Reigning National Hunt champion jockey Sean Bowen has revealed the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to secure a dramatic victory at Sandown Park, describing the travel ordeal as having cost him an absolute fortune.
Last-Minute Flight from Dublin
The unstoppable sportsman, who recently surpassed his own seasonal personal best, was scheduled to ride at the prestigious Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown on Saturday. However, the entire first day of the festival was abandoned after failing a morning inspection due to adverse weather conditions, with reports indicating four inches of rain had fallen in the area over the preceding week.
A Costly Decision
Faced with a cancelled meeting, Bowen acted swiftly, booking a last-minute flight from Ireland to London Heathrow at a personal cost of £400. The flight was delayed last night and I got to bed at 2am this morning, Bowen explained via Sporting Life. I had a 10am flight and literally got here half-an-hour before the race.
His journey was prompted by a early morning phone call from trainer Olly Murphy, who reportedly told him: Leopardstown is off so get your a*** over here!
Race Against Time to Sandown
Upon landing at Heathrow, Bowen was collected by rookie handler Nick Scholfield, who drove him directly to Sandown Park for the 12.55pm race. Scholfield later joked about the high-speed dash, saying: I think I might have got a few speeding fines and I might be regretting it in a month's time!
The pair arrived with mere moments to spare, allowing Bowen to partner the improving hurdler Bollin Thou in the Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
Victory Against the Odds
The frantic travel arrangements proved worthwhile as Bollin Thou delivered a commanding performance, racing away from the opposition to secure victory. This win marked Bowen's 187th success of the campaign, extending his remarkable record beyond the 180 victories he achieved at Warwick on January 23rd.
For Bollin Thou, it represented a fourth consecutive victory, completing a notable four-timer. The horse has undergone a dramatic transformation this season, with his handicap mark rising from 76 to 103 under Scholfield's care.
Bollin Thou started off low marks and we were scratching our head at the beginning of the season, but he is on a roll, said the former jockey, who rode his final race in the 2025 Grand National aboard Monbeg Genius. He toughed it out, and he would be better on better ground over further, but it seemed the right race to come for.
Reflecting on the expensive and exhausting journey, Bowen remained philosophical: It was worth it anyway. His dedication underscores the relentless commitment required at the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, where opportunities must be seized regardless of logistical challenges.
