Jockey Hugh Bowman has announced that he will be taking an extended break from riding starting immediately.
Bowman told Queensland stewards on Friday afternoon he would not be taking his rides the following day which included Shillelagh in the Group Two Hollindale Stakes.
The jockey is an integral part of the Winx story, riding her to all her 25 Group One wins including her last, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 13, her swan song.
Since her retirement, Bowman has ridden in Sydney and Hong Kong, his latest winner coming at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Bowman and Winx’s trainer Chris Waller endured relentless pressure on their time leading up to the mare’s retirement.
After her Queen Elizabeth win, Bowman gave a rare insight into his life and the importance of his family as he put his association with Winx into context.
“I am going to have a break,’’ Bowman told the Daily Telegraph.
“Everything is fine but I’m exhausted to be honest so I’m going to have a spell, freshen up.’’
Bowman has not given a time frame for his return.
