Young Jockey Shortlisted For BBC Award

James Bowen, champion conditional jump jockey, has been shortlisted for the BBC Young Sport Personality of the Year Award.

The award goes to those who a panel of judges consider to be an outstanding young sportsperson, at the age of 17-years old or under. Previous winners of the award include, Wayne Rooney, Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds and Andy Murray.

Bowen, 17, has been recognised for his record breaking point-to point season, in just his second season as a professional rider.

In January this year, at the age of 16-years old, Bowen proved his worthiness for the award. He became the youngest ever jockey to win the 2018 Welsh Grand National at Chepstow, on his ride Raz De Marie.

Bowen also won the 2017/2018 Stobart Conditional Jockeys Championship, leading the field with 38 victories, leaving his closest rival, Bryony Frost, for dust with only 13 victories.

Additionally, in 2017 Bowen managed to smash the record for the number of point-to point winners ridden by a novice rider. Starting the season late, on his 16th birthday, he was able to take 30 wins.

Bowen is up against ten other young athletes for this years award. Other short-listed athletes include; Fulham footballer Ryan Sessegnon, Commonwealth Games Gold medal-winning gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton and Jack Draper, Wimbledon Boys’ singles finalist.

The winner will be announced on the 21st October 2018, at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards.

[avatar user=”AbbyDickinson” size=”medium” align=”center” link=”file”]Everything Horse News Reporter, Abby Dickinson[/avatar]