Champion Jockey Sean Bowen hopes to realize the file of Sir AP McCoy
Champion Jockey Sean Bowen is basking in the victory of his £3million season – but there’s still a few things the jockey would like to achieve before he retires
Sean Bowen says he looks up to legend Sir AP McCoy(Image: Colorsport/Shutterstock)
Champion jockey Sean Bowen might be riding high on £3million in prize money this season – but he really wants to be the new Sir AP McCoy.
The 28-year-old, son of trainer Peter Bowen, has just been crowned British Champion Jockey for a second year in a row. But he’s still a way off beating the racing icon, who bagged the title 20 years running. Sean has idolised the Northern Irishman, who rode a record 4,358 winners, since he started his career on the pony riding circuit.
He says: “As a child every jockey looked up to AP as he was number one and still holds many of the records. It would be nice to try and beat some of the records during my career.”
The title of British Champion Jockey is awarded to the rider with the most wins during a set period. Sean, from Little Newcastle, Pembrokes, managed 241 in the 2025 to 2026 season.
He says it “feels amazing” to be following in Sir AP’s footsteps – and he hopes to continue his winning streak. He adds: “It’s a childhood dream come true and I’m very fortunate to have done it two years in a row. My plan every year is to reach the champion jockey title.
“I’d love to get to 300 (winners), but ultimately being champion jockey again next year would be a proud enough achievement for me. The dream race always will be the Grand National. It’s the race that every jockey dreams of winning from childhood, so it’s one I’ll always aim for.”
In November, Sean won the Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Wade Out. He says he’s on good terms with the Manchester United legend – and has managed to avoid his famous “hair-dryer” treatment so far. He also rode Harry Redknapp’s horse, The Jukebox Man, at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Sean says: “It’s great riding for those big names and managers. They’ve both always been great to deal with and are both massive supporters of our sport, so it’s brilliant to be associated with them.”
The jockey missed out on another win this week at Punchestown, coming in fifth on Putapoundinthejar in the Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle. And with the National Hunt season over, he’s now focused on training for his next rides.
Sean races seven days a week and sticks to a gruelling routine to make sure he’s ready for action.
He adds: “I generally try to get to the racecourse at least two hours before racing starts every day. Once I’m there, I then make sure I’m well warmed up on the bike and do all of my stretching.”
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