Hugh Bowman is riding high, yet again.
Bowman predictably made no race of the Sydney jockeys’ premiership during the season-ending metropolitan meeting at Rosehill and revealed a critical assessment motivated his late surge to overtake Brenton Avdulla.
“I was on my way to Brisbane and I read an article by (Australian Bloodstock director) Luke Murrell rating the top five jockeys,” he said after an early double enabled the now four-time champion to build an unassailable 4-1/2 win buffer.
“He had Brenton No.1, Kerrin (McEvoy) No.2 and I was third because I wasn’t consistent enough.”
Bowman scored immediately on $1.70 favourite D’Argento in the first race while Avdulla only made it to the stalls before Regal Cannon was scratched due to injury.
Avdulla’s misfortune summed up a frustrating month for the long-time premiership leader, not that Bowman was sympathetic.
“I don’t feel sorry for Brenton. He’ll be a better rider for it,” he said.
“He’ll look back on what has been his best season.”
Bowman succeeded last season’s champion, James McDonald, when he guided three-year-old Prada Miss to the line in the Highway Plate (1500m) for Armidale trainer Stirling Osland.
Bowman, who had 81 winners before the meeting, also credited support from his wife, Christine, manager Bryan Haskins and an array of top-line trainers including Chris Waller, Peter and Paul Snowden, and Kris Lees.
“I had a bit of ground to make up on Brenton and after a few inspirational words from my wife, Chris Waller and other trainers, I decided to knuckle down and it really gave me something to focus on.”
Prada Miss ($4.60) hit the line 1-1/4 lengths clear of My Tagason ($7.50) to record her fourth win from 11 starts, with Caesar’s Ghost in third.
“She’s obviously the best filly we’ve had so far,” said Osland, who is in his third season training after starting out breaking in horses in Melbourne.
“She’s got a Listed place in Brisbane (Princess Stakes) and now she’s won Highway. It takes her up over $100,000 prize money, too.”
