There are plenty of things that play a part in someone becoming an elite-level jockey. Height, weight, skill and determination are among the most important traits one would need on their side to achieve success in the saddle.
But battling an allergy to horses isn’t something most jockeys would’ve gone through during their career. For champion jockey Sean Bowen, that was a reality at one point during his life.
Bowen grew up around horses, so it was no surprise he went on to forge a career racing them. However, when he was younger, Bowen struggled to be around them because of his allergies.
Speaking to The Irish Examiner, he said: “I had really bad eczema and asthma and if Dad came in from clipping and had horse hair on him, I’d be itching for days. I’m still a bit allergic to horses so I take an antihistamine or else I’d be sneezing, coughing and having running eyes all day. It’s a funny old thing to have as a jockey.”
Bowen is one of the most revered jockeys on the planet and next month he’ll be picking up his second champion jockey title. But, the Welshman has a dismal record at Cheltenham, having never ridden a winner at the most famous racing festival of all.
On his performances, he said: “Over the last 10 years it’s been so dominated by the Irish that it’s very hard for the British to even get a sniff of winning. I’ve never gone to Cheltenham with good chances. But I’m hoping this year will be the year.”
When asked whether his record bothers him, Bowen responded: “Not really. I’ve ridden loads of winners at [other meetings at] Cheltenham. I know I’m going to ride plenty of festival winners.”
Winning the Gold Cup would be one way to silence the doubters, with Bowen admitting it would be one of the best days of his life if he got it done on Friday.
On the prospect of lifting the famous old trophy, he said: “It would be the biggest day of my career. As a kid you dream of winning the Gold Cup and the Grand National. It would be lovely to get one ticked off. But you ride the Gold Cup winner and you’re off to Uttoxeter the next day. It doesn’t stop.”