By Graham Thomas
Welsh jockey Sean Bowen is determined to take his quest to become champion jockey right to the final furlong – and hopes Ffos Las Racecourse plays a part.
Bowen – who hails from Pembrokeshire – would love nothing better than to bag a few winners at Ffos Las on Easter Sunday, March 31.
That would provide a special local feel to the annual Easter Family Fun Day which returns with a wide variety of attractions.
On the course, there are seven top quality races that always provide Welsh owners, trainers and jockeys with the opportunity to show off the best of the sport in Wales.
None are flying higher at present than jockey Bowen, who is battling it out with rival Harry Cobden to become champion jockey.
Ringwalks – Episode 1 @Sean_Bowen_ joins us for a long chat about the Championship, riding and general life
Full series dropping on our YouTube: https://t.co/Rx6qdQjtzK ⁰
Who next? pic.twitter.com/e1W5WjOCgR— The Jockey Club (@TheJockeyClub) March 24, 2024
Cobden holds a lead of 15 at the time of writing, having won 152 races this season, compared to Bowen’s 137.
Bowen is the son of well-known Welsh trainer Peter Bowen, and brother of fellow jockey James.
Back in December, Sean held a healthy 31-winners lead over Cobden, but a fall at Aintree on Boxing Day resulted in a knee injury that put him out of action for seven weeks.
But refusing to throw in the towel, Sean battled back to fitness and had picked up where he left off, with a string of winners that has kept Cobden from disappearing over the horizon.
Now, he is still within striking distance of becoming the first Welsh rider to win the Jump Jockeys’ Championship for 70 years.
The title race runs until April 27 and Bowen says: “It’s going to be tough, but there is still time to get back in front.
“My main aim this season has been to be champion jockey. I am a little bit behind after missing a few weeks, so I need to look around and try to get a few winners wherever I can.”
The weather forecast for our Easter Sunday Family Race Day has improved. We'll keep everyone posted of the latest news on here during the week. There's plenty of free family entertainment and kids go free with a paying adult. 7 races from 1.40pm – https://t.co/sot7qee0fD pic.twitter.com/2MpEx5rRvd
— Ffos Las Racecourse (@FfosLasRC) March 26, 2024
If that proves to be Ffos Las on Easter Sunday, then local boy Bowen would be delighted.
“Ffos Las is a great racecourse and I really enjoy riding there,” he says.
“The facilities are superb and it’s a fantastic track for the spectators. With Chepstow in the east, it means we have two superb venues in South Wales for people to go along and appreciate everything that a day at the races has to offer.”
Away from the races, there will be plenty to keep families entertained at the Family Fun Day.
It won’t be just the sporting heroes who are on parade, but favourites from the Superhero world will be there, including Captain America, Spiderman, Ironman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Deadpool, Venom and Dr. Strange.
So, too, will be the favourite characters from Frozen, such as Elsa and Anna.
There will be rides, Easter egg hunts, and competition prizes for the best dressed young superheroes
All the attractions are included in the admission price and U17s go free with an adult.
https://twitter.com/FfosLasRC/status/1771816750671077612?s=20
The gates open at 11.40am on Easter Sunday, March 31, with the last race off at 5.10pm.
There is a scheduled bus to Ffos Las from Llanelli train station that leaves at 11.10am and returns from the course, departing at 5.35pm.
Adult admission price is £24, with free entry to accompanied children under 17.