In a press release issued on Monday afternoon, December 18th, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Chief Medical Officer advised that Hugh Bowman has been cleared to resume riding in trackwork, trials, and, if all goes well, race riding by the upcoming Sha Tin meeting on Boxing Day.
Bowman, who was dislodged from Tuchel during the running of Race 7 at Sha Tin on Saturday, November 11th, is set to resume riding in trackwork starting tomorrow, Tuesday, December 19th. Additionally, he will ride in barrier trials on Friday, December 22nd, with the intention of being declared fit for riding engagements at the Sha Tin race meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 26th.
During Bowman’s time on the sidelines, he has slipped to third place on the jockeys’ ladder with 21 wins, while Karis Teetan surged to second place with 28 wins. Even prior to the unfortunate fall, Bowman missed five meetings due to suspension. However, he was still fiercely competing with reigning champion jockey Zac Purton for the top spot on the ladder.
Upon his return to the saddle, Bowman boasts a striking 22 percent winning strike rate from 95 rides for the season, a figure unmatched by any other jockey as the racing season enters its fourth month.
