The only six-year-old Japanese bred entire in The Everest field, is once again going to be lining up against the world’s greatest sprinters, with the world’s greatest jockey to guide him in the 1200m sprint.
In his enviable career, Hugh Bowman has delivered the vision his trainers have opined for their charges with humility and panache. The champion jockey hopes to secure a win in The Everest for Brave Smash’s connections.
In this exclusive interview, Hugh Bowman chats to Everest Diaries about his Everest ride with Brave Smash, his plans for the rest of the year, his uncomplicated relationship with Winx and everything else that matters.
Q: How did you feel when you were declared ‘The World’s Greatest Jockey’?
A: Its very gratifying and humbling. I have had the opportunity to ride such great horses. Its been a most satisfying experience. ‘The World’s Greatest Jockey’, certainly sounds good but its very difficult to substantiate because there are so many variable involved. I have enjoyed every part of this experience.
Q: How did you get the opportunity to ride Brave Smash?
A: Although I don’t ride for Darren Weir, I have very good relations with the owners (Australian Bloodstock Syndicate) and I am the main jockey for the Chris Waller stable who own the slot. Last year I resisted riding Brave Smash but this year I decided to seize the moment. This was a great opportunity to secure a ride in The Everest.
Q: Have you decided on a strategy for race day?
A: It is far too early right now. We don’t even have the final field yet. And it (the strategy) can change even on the day based on various factors.
Q: What are your plans for the rest of the year?
A: There are some very strong races in the Australian Carnival both in Melbourne and NSW. I hope to ride in some of signature races, including The Cox plate with Winx. Thereafter I plan to ride Cheval Grand in the Japan Cup. We will be defending our title.
Q: Coming to Winx, how did your partnership with Peter Tighe and Winx start?
A: I am the main jockey for the Chris Waller stable. He is the trainer for Winx. I was given the opportunity to ride her from her third start. She won that race. Then she was second in the following two races and the rest as they say is history!
Q: How do you think you will feel when Winx retires?
A: There won’t be another horse like Winx. There will be an empty feeling once she leaves. But at the end of the day she’s a horse and she has to move on to the next phase of her life. The owners will continue to race her as long as she is enjoying the experience. But we are preparing for the day when she won’t race again. Australia has a fantastic breeding program. There are a lot of new 2 Yo and 3Yos being introduced each year. I hope to continue riding some wonderful horses until the end of my career.
Q: Are there any parts of the world where you would still like to ride?
A: I have yet to ride in America and Dubai. Since the big races in the Australian Spring Carnival are held at the same time as the Dubai World Cup Carnival, it is very difficult to go out there. But given an opportunity I would like to ride a signature horse on Dubai World Cup night. I know most of the jockeys who ride in Dubai, so it won’t feel like a foreign track to me the way America would.
Q: Although you had predicted that The Everest would become a very popular race, did you expect it to happen so quickly?
A: No I did not. In racing circles it is regarded as a Gr.1 race even though it doesn’t have the title yet. If you had a stallion prospect racing in The Everest and he won, then he would be a very valuable stallion for the stable recognized as a grade one race winner, unofficially.
Q: Are there any horses you wish you had a chance to ride?
A: Frankel
Q: What about any horses from the current crop?
A: I would really to get a feel of Cracksman. He is such a beautiful horse with such long strides.
Q: Could you tell us about your family?
A: My parents are farmers. I grew up riding horses and wanted to be a jockey all my life. Eventually, I married an Irish girl (Christine) and we have two beautiful daughters. Our oldest (Bambi) is four and half years old and the younger one (Page) is three and a half year old.
Published in EverestDiaries Issue 4, Vol 2
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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com