Leading jockey Hugh Bowman to take part in Magic Millions polo game

LEADING jockey Hugh Bowman will take part in the upcoming Magic Millions carnival, but his first ride won’t be at the $10 million race day.

Australian jockey Hugh Bowman poses with trophy and watch after being awarded 2017 Longines World's Best Jockey Award. Picture: Vince Caligiuri, Getty Images.

LEADING jockey Hugh Bowman will take part in the upcoming Magic Millions carnival, but his first ride won’t be at the $10 million race day.

Bowman — named the world’s best jockey at the annual Longines Hong Kong International Races Gala earlier this month — will help kickstart the week-long carnival by taking part in the jockeys v trainers Magic Millions polo match at Doug Jennings Park on Sunday, January 7.

The respected hoop has ridden in to the history books on the back of wonder-mare Winx.

Bowman has won 16 Group 1 races this year and guided Winx to 23 of her 32 career wins.

Jockey Hugh Bowman with mare Winx at the Turnbull Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Bowman will play alongside Kathy O’Hara and against the likes of trainers Chris Munce and Michael Kent.

The annual polo match will once again boast unprecedented star power as leading player Nacho Figueras joins Francesca Cumani, her husband and Australian rep polo player Rob Archibald, Zara Phillips MBE and her husband former England Rugby Union captain Mike Tindall and Channel 7s Hamish McLachlan to make up the playing and commentary teams.

Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page-Harvey said the event would be accessible to all with entry fees sitting at $35 while children under 15 are free.

“Polo is one of the most action packed and exciting games on the planet and we’re very happy to help Nacho on his quest to introduce as many people to the game as possible,” Page-Harvey said.

Polo player Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras, will join the 2018 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo as the International Polo Ambassador.

“We’ve deliberately made it an affordable day out for families and we hope that Gold Coast locals and holiday-makers will come along to see what polo is all about.

“We’re also thrilled to have Hugh Bowman and Kathy O’Hara sign up for the jockeys versus trainers game.

“There’ll be some incredible horsemanship on display throughout the day which is the perfect way to start our celebrations of all things equine during the Magic Millions Carnival.”

Australian country music star Adam Harvey will provide the entertainment between chukkas while divot stomping, bike polo, magicians and stilt walkers will also be a part of the day.