THE NIGHT HUGH BOWMAN OFFICIALLY BECAME THE 2017 LONGINES WORLD'S BEST JOCKEY

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, December 13, 2017

At a lavish function on the Friday night before Sunday’s Longines Hong Kong International races at Sha Tin, Hugh Bowman was crowned the Longines World’s Best Jockey. It was a wonderful occasion for Bowman and his family and just reward for a man of whom Australia can be justifiably proud for the distinguished way he represents his country both on and off the track. This is how that special evening unfolded.

The presentation could not have been made in a more prestigious setting ... the Longines International Races Gala Dinner at the Hong Covention and Exhibition Centre.

But, then again, it was an award of the most prestigious kind, the one that ranked the recipient as the best in the world in his profession and that award went to Australia’s Hugh Bowman, the Longines World’s Best Jockey.

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Liz Price, the MC for the award ceremony, set the scene.

“A jockey ... the Oxford English dictionary will have you know ... is a person who rides in horse races, especially as a professional. Well, while that is perfectly correct, it doesn’t tell us much at all does it?

“For example, it doesn’t tell you that a jockey needs to create a special bond with his or her equine partner in order to succeed. It does not tell you that a jockey needs soft hands, that a jockey needs to be able to judge the pace of a race. It does not speak of tactical awareness or the strength that a jockey needs to put a horse over that elusive finish line.

“It also doesn’t tell you about the physical hardships that jockeys endure during their careers that start as a teenager and is often over before they reach the age of fifty.

"It does not tell you about being on a constant diet or being fit, day in and day out, as racing never stops ... and it certainly doesn’t tell you about the unbearable pressure a jockey has to endure as he rides a horse that an entire nation and the whole world expects to succeed again and again.”

“No, the English Oxford dictionary does not tell you anything about that.”

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But in Hugh Bowman’ career moment of a lifetime, all of the above was roundly celebrated.

If you thought Bowman was a class act in the saddle his persona away from the action is as impressive and that was in evidence for all to see as the World’s Best Jockey stepped up to receive his award in front of his family and to take questions from the MC.

Question

It’s been an amazing year ... a stellar year. It started pretty early. I think you won your first Group 1 already in February. You were always in the lead in the Longines Jockey’s Championship and it all culminated in the Japan Cup victory. I know you are here tonight with your wife and also your parents. What does it mean to you as you stand here today in front of them and look back at an amazing year that has seen you crowned as the Longines World’s Best Jockey?”

Bowman:

“It’s very humbling. It is an unbelievable honour to be here at this world class event.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given. From the support of my parents growing up and the introduction to horses at a very young age which I think has certainly assisted my horse riding ability ... and then always trying to home in on trying to be the best I can be as a jockey since I started some twenty years ago.

“Clearly my wife has been an absolute backbone of support and has helped me to continue to strive to be the best I can be ... and, of course, there are the opportunities I’ve had with the horses I’ve ridden.

Question:

“You mention the horses you have ridden. Now it is impossible to talk about you and not to talk about Winx but, in all fairness, you won ten of the highest ranked Group 1 races but you actually won sixteen Group 1 races in total ... and you had some fantastic rides in other regions as well. So can you tell us a little bit about your highlights this season.”

Bowman:

“If we go back to last season where Winx was obviously crowned Australia’s Horse Of The Year and Werther was crowned Hong Kong’s Horse Of The Year ... it was my partnership with those two horses that certainly spring-boarded my presence onto the global stage.

"My continued association with those two horses in particular and Lucky Bubbles who won the Champion Sprint, and then the culmination of it all with the Japan Cup victory on Cheval Grand ... I was fortunate enough to have plenty of highlights.

“I didn’t really think that I could build or improve on last year’s season with the association with those two horses I mentioned ... Winx and Werther ...but I think 2017 has exceeded last year.

“I couldn’t be here without the loyal support of the connections of these wonderful horses. Not only that, but the connections of the horses that I ride week in and week out at home in Australia and, once again, the support of my family and friends.

Question:“

You talk about your family and friends. Your wife is from Ireland. You’ve been winning Group 1 races in Hong Kong, in Australia and in Japan ... will we maybe see you next year in Europe?

Bowman:

“It would be nice if I had the same opportunities there as I’ve enjoyed here in Hong Kong and of course in Australia. It’s a Global sport now and hopefully I can make use of my position and maybe capitalise on that in Europe next season.

“For now though, like I say, it is very humbling to be here. It is an unbelievable honour.”

In summary ... in a nutshell ... the man has done himself, his family and Australia proud!

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