Sean Bowen: The 1,000-winner jockey who’s allergic to horses
Bowen’s parents Peter and Karen have been training horse racing for 30 years, but that doesn’t mean he played the sport immediately.
“I can’t say I loved it when I grew up. Until I was about 11, I loved football. I started riding when I was 10.”
“I think both of my brothers go on horseback and then I don’t have anyone to play football, so I have to go on the pony.”
Bowen’s younger brother James is also a jockey with more than 400 winners.
“It’s amazing – very few people are in the locker room with them every day,” Sean said.
“When he started riding, he pushed me to do better. It’s very unique that we’re both doing things that we both succeed.”
The brothers speak at least several times a day, and James Bowen says he is not a jockey, but Sean’s influence.
“I admire him very much,” James said. “I think we helped each other, but more of it was him helping me.”
Pembrokeshire Brothers have to share trophy in Cheltenham in December Dead heat was recorded between their horses.
“I did it well, we pulled it up, and he (James) was frustrated because he thought he was defeated.”
“It’s amazing when they call the heat of death because it’s one of the things you know, very few people will happen with brothers.
“The fact is that in Cheltenham, it’s obviously the largest racecourse in the country, and it’s incredible. I hope it happens again.”
