Hugh Bowman named world’s best jockey

Hugh Bowman has been named as the world’s best jockey at the annual Longines Hong Kong International Races Gala – the first Australian to win the award.

Bowan, who has guided unbeaten wonder mare Winx to 23 of her 32 career wins, ended a fantastic season with success in the Japan Cup on Cherval Grand last month.

He claimed the title with 142 points, finishing ahead of English hoop Ryan Moore (124 points) and Frankie Dettori (86 points), who are both previous winners.

Bowman won 10 of the world’s Top 100 Group/Grade 1 races, and six of those victories came aboard Winx, who was celebrated as the third-highest rated racehorse in the world in 2016 and is currently the highest rated turf horse in the world.