James Bowen only turned 16 in March and since then has notched up incredible 30. Three of which came at the Pembrokeshire meeting at Trecoed. This was his local track for his local hunt, and for Bowen, and ideal way to bow out – the youngster will now turn conditional and ride under rules.
The first of Bowens treble came on Flying Eagle, trained by his brother Mickey. They were the only finishers in the 4 mile Mens Open, with both other runners pulling up. This was the pairs fifth win in a row this season which is made even more impressive after showing little at the beginning of the season. The second part of the treble came in the Open Maiden, when Bowen teamed up with David Brace to partner Delkantra to a fifteen length victory. The pair took the lead around half way and despite jumping right on occasions, could not be touched. Vet Cert and Connor Orr were runners up, with Tucks Bergin finishing in the third, having being eased on the run in. The final race on the card, the Intermediate, finished Bowens treble, with Cheltenham Mati coming home the easiest winner of the day. The Tim Underwood trained Cheltenham Mati's task was made easier when Robin's Wager, ridden by Byron Moorcroft, came down at the second last fence. This was a bitter blow for Byron, as if he had won he would have beaten Bowen in the race for the Welsh Rider's Championship.
The first race on the card, the Hunt Members went the way of Superman De La Rue and Connor Orr. The pair made virtually all to come home easy winners, with Daffern Seal and Jodie Hughes, who has won the Welsh Ladies Championship, in second and Macarthur and Charlotte Evans in third. The winner will now probably head for a hurdling campaign under rules. The Ladies Race, went the way of Hannah Lewis and Golden Crisp, who also made virtually all of the running. This made trainer Tim Underwood's trip down west from Kimblewick well worth while having gone home with a double. Second in the race was Tiger Rag under the improving Anna Lewis, with Buck Mulligan and Isabel Williams back in third.
The ten runner Restricted race went the way of January Don and Evan David, who is having his best season so far. With an official winning distance of only a nose, this was easily the closest finish of the day, with Ben Jones and Chasing Casey chasing down in the final strides. Agentleman and Connor Orr were a distant third. To date, Evan is fifth in the National Gentelman Riders Championship, on 21 winners. James Bowen, Lorcan Williams and Ben Jones take the first three places in the Gentleman Novice Championship – all of who hail from West Wales. This is an incredible achievement for suxh a small area.
Lisette Davies riding the grey Taz won the mixed scurry race and there was a close finish to the first of the two pony races with Daniel Ellis,aged 12, on Clear The Track beating Edward Vaughan ,aged 9, on Little Replacement by a neck. Only two of the five entries went to post for the second pony race in which Jessica Llewellyn,aged 14, of Bargoed beat Bridgend's Connor Brace, aged 15, riding Don't Tell Dai.
