Horse racing: Jockey Hugh Bowman handed six-week ban after horrific Rosehill incident
Hugh Bowman has copped his punishment after a horrific racing accident, but many believe the champion jockey deserved a lengthier sentence.
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Champion jockey Hugh Bowman has been given a six-week ban after last week’s horrific racing accident at Rosehill.
Bowman’s mount collided with another horse after shifting out during Race 1 on Saturday, which resulted in jockey Andrew Adkins going to hospital and a two-year-old colt being put down.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Racing NSW acting chief steward Wade Birch found Bowman rode in a “careless manner”, but the 40-year-old Bowman pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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“Firstly I’d like to wish Andrew Adkins a full and speedy recovery. I spoke to Andrew on the phone to convey how sorry I was for the accident. He is in good spirits, which was very pleasing and reassuring to hear,” Bowman said.
“To Danny Williams and the connections of Hot ‘N’ Hazy, I would like to share my condolences to them. Having been involved with horses all my life I know how tragic it is with the loss of a horse and for all concerned.
“I’ve ridden in a lot of races, I would consider myself a careful rider and this was by no means a rushed or spur of the moment decision.
“It was a calculated one which unfortunately resulted in devastating circumstances but that said, I have to disagree with the stewards’ finding.”
Bowman is most famous for riding champion mare Winx, and was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame last year. His suspension begins immediately, but he can resume riding on September 11th.
Adkins required surgery after breaking his leg and collarbone and fracturing seven ribs. He also suffered a collapsed lung. The 22-year-old remains in hospital and won’t ride again this year. He posted on Instagram that he is in good spirits, despite the serious injuries.
“All good. There is a smile under the rona mask! Thanks everyone for the messages,” Adkins wrote on Instagram. “PS: Green whistle is great.”
Hot’N’Hazy sadly had to be euthanised after being struck by a number of horses during the accident. The two-year-old had been trained by Danny Williams.
Some speculated whether Bowman deserved a lengthier ban considering the severity of Saturday’s incident — SBS reporter Matt Connellan called the punishment a “disgrace”.
Breaking champion jockey @HugeBowman suspended for 6 weeks for careless riding. Steward say they acknowledged his role as a great ambassador for racing and his positive record Details @7NewsSydney tonight 6pm
— Michelle Bishop (@7michellebishop) July 30, 2020
Jockey Hugh Bowman will miss the Group One Winx Stakes plus five Group two races and seven Group three races.@RNSWStewards said Bowman had only been suspended once in the past twelve months which was in October.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) July 30, 2020
The suspension starts straight away.
A horse is dead and Andrew Adkins is very badly injured - and Bowman cops a six week slap on the wrist. What a disgrace. https://t.co/JLq4aPUCjI
— Matt Connellan (@MattConnellan) July 30, 2020
Bowman explained his snap decision to push in on Adkins after the race.
“I endeavoured to make a run to the outside of Glyn Schofield (on Mr Colorful) which I had every right to but in doing so I was going to have to move Andrew slightly but I felt that I was able to do so,” Bowman said.
“There was a shift by the horse in front of me (Mr Colorful) and I was committed to the move that I made.
“I felt at the time I made the call to go to the outside of Glyn I could do so without causing any interference to Andrew.”
Birch told Bowman the incident would normally result in a three-month ban, but he took into account the jockey’s good record and the contribution of Mr Colorful to the collision.
Originally published as Horse racing: Jockey Hugh Bowman handed six-week ban after horrific Rosehill incident