Racing legend heading to Chepstow for fundraiser after saluting
“Extraordinary” Bowen Family
Racing icon Brough Scott (photograph) has praised the achievements of the Bowen family as he throws his support behind a new fundraising initiative at Chepstow Racecourse.
Scott, who became one of the most recognisable figures in horse racing through four decades of television broadcasting, believes brothers Sean, James and trainer Mickey Bowen are well placed to continue bringing sporting success to Wales.
Sean Bowen successfully defended his Champion Jockey crown in April, securing the title for a second consecutive year after an outstanding campaign that yielded 241 winners. Among those victories were nine rides at Chepstow, including a memorable Welsh Grand National success aboard Haiti Couleurs.
“What the Bowen family are doing in the sport at the moment is just extraordinary,” says Scott, a former jockey himself who had over 100 winers.
“Sean and James go all over the country, winning races wherever they ride, while Mickey has stepped into their father Peter’s shoes as a trainer and is proving hugely successful, too.
“For all that talent to come from one family is astonishing, and although Sean has taken most of the headlines as a now two-time Champion Jockey, his brothers are not far behind.
“I was lucky enough to go and stay with the family in Pembrokeshire very recently and given how exceptionally talented they all are, they are so humble and likeable – brilliant ambassadors for Welsh sport.”
Scott believes Welsh racing is enjoying a golden era, for both jockeys and trainers and has been especially impressed by recent performances in the saddle by Ben Jones, who won last season’s King George VI Chase on the Harry Redknapp-owned, The Jukebox Man.
“Ben Jones had a fantastic season and finished fourth in the Jockeys Championship with over a hundred winners for the season, with only Harry Skelton and the Bowen brothers ahead of him.
“He looked as if he was going to win the Grand National on Jordans, but has since come out and said he got that ride wrong, when he was out in front after the last fence.
“But he will learn from that and he’s going to win many more big races.
“Sam Thomas is doing amazing things as a trainer in Wales, so everywhere you look at the moment, things are looking good in Wales and it’s a golden era.”
Scott, who still covers racing for both ITV and the Sunday Times at the age of 83, is coming to Chepstow Racecourse next month for a flat racing meeting that involves a charity close to his heart.
The Summer Afternoon Racing in Support of Jamie’s Farm meeting will take place on Monday, June 15.
Jamie’s Farm was founded in 2009 by Jamie Feilden and his mother, Tish. It provides "farming, family, and therapy" for 11–16-year-olds who are at risk of social or academic exclusion.
Young people visit the farms for a week, surrender their mobile phones, and engage in real, hands-on farming work to build confidence and a sense of belonging.
There are currently seven farms across the UK and Scott got involved after being struck by the benefits of their work after a visit to their farm in Lewes, Sussex, five years ago.
Jamie’s Farm have been supported in race meetings at Plumpton Racecourse previously but this will be their first venture into Wales at Chepstow.
“I obviously have a passion for racing, but also for connecting young people with the countryside,” adds Scott.
“We use the race days as a way of raising funds, but also of raising awareness about the charity and their work with young people.
“When you see the impact it can have on a young boy or girl, when they are given roles and responsibilities in a rural setting, it’s incredible.
“I have seen how transformed their lives can be, it’s very emotional. I have sat in my car afterwards and cried my eyes out.”
Queen Camilla has been a patron of Jamie’s Farm since 2014 and Scott adds: “She has opened many doors.
“She used to ride ponies herself, so she knows how beneficial it can be for young people to have the benefit of being around animals in the countryside.”
Since its foundation 17 years ago, Jamie’s Farm has helped more than 18,000 young people re-engage with education.
Chepstow Racecourse executive director Luke Admans said: "We're thrilled to be supporting Jamie's Farm with their inaugural race day at Chepstow racecourse.
"Some of the team and I have seen first hand the work the teams at the farms do and the impact it has on young people. We're really honoured to be working with a fantastic charity and we're looking forward to a great afternoon's racing for a wonderful cause."
