Jockey Hugh Bowman abandons Australian Cup ride over serious family matter

Champion jockey Hugh Bowman, best known for his association with Australia’s greatest racehorse Winx, has moved to dispel rumours over why he abandoned his ride in the Australian Cup.

Hugh Bowman kisses wife Christine after winning the Chipping Norton Stakes on Winx last Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Hugh Bowman has moved to dispel rumours family tragedy was the cause of his sudden departure from Flemington, forfeiting the Australian Cup ride on favourite Avilius.

Bowman left Flemington immediately after finishing second in the Newmarket Handicap after becoming aware of what was described by Racing Victoria as a “family matter”.

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The champion jockey flew to Sydney, leaving Corey Brown to take the mount on Avilius, which finished fifth in the Cup.

Aware of social media rumours pointing to tragedy, Bowman issued a statement on Twitter.

It said: “Thank you for everyone’s well wishes this afternoon. There are no tragic circumstances & is a family matter. Everyone’s thoughts & understanding is appreciated.”

Hugh Bowman was replaced in Melbourne’s premier autumn staying contest by Corey Brown.

Bowman is due to return to Melbourne on Saturday to ride Alizee in the All-Star Mile.

The champion jockey was due to partner short-priced favourite Avilius in the $1.5 million Australian Cup, who later finished unplaced behind surprise winner Harlem.

Soon after guiding Osborne Bulls into second place in the Newmarket Handicap, Bowman became aware of the family issue and left the course.

Hugh Bowman was due to partner short-priced favourite Avilius in the $1.5 million Australian Cup.

Racing Victoria issued a statement on behalf of stewards, saying: “Stewards permitted Hugh Bowman to be released from his riding engagement on Avilius in the Australian Cup to enable him to leave the course due to a family matter which he was advised of after riding in the Newmarket Handicap.”

Thank you for everyone's well wishes this afternoon. There are no tragic circumstances & is a family matter. Everyone's thoughts & understanding is appreciated.

— Hugh Bowman (@HugeBowman) March 9, 2019

Bowman was replaced by Corey Brown on Avilius, but the heavily backed favourite could only finish midfield in Melbourne’s premier autumn staying contest.

Harlem was ridden by South Australian trailblazer Jamie Kah, giving her a maiden Group 1 success, after he edged out Shillelagh in a thrilling edition of the Australian Cup.

Hugh Bowman kisses wife Christine after winning the Chipping Norton Stakes on Winx last Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as Jockey Hugh Bowman abandons Australian Cup ride over serious family matter