James Bowen will miss the Cheltenham Festival after receiving a seven-day whip ban.
The 23-year-old jockey’s suspension runs from Tuesday, March 11 to Monday, March 17.
This year’s iconic Festival begins on March 11 and concludes on March 14.
The ban follows Bowen’s ride at Hereford on Sunday.
James Bowen will miss the Cheltenham Festival after receiving a seven-day whip ban
PA
At The Races confirmed: “James Bowen will miss the Cheltenham Festival after being handed a seven-day whip ban.”
The timing of the suspension means Bowen will be unable to compete in any of the prestigious Festival’s four days of racing.
Bowen received the ban after riding favourite Zestful Hope to victory at Hereford.
Racing authorities deemed his use of the whip excessive during the race.
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Horse racing fans have defended James Bowen with the jockey set to miss Cheltenham
PA
The 15/8 favourite beat rival Intimate after being pushed hard down the final furlong.
This resulted in racing bosses imposing the full-week suspension.
The decision has sparked significant controversy in racing circles, however, with many questioning the severity of the punishment – and the timing.
The ban will prevent Bowen from participating in one of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar.
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Some fans have speculated about a potential appeal, though no official word has emerged on this possibility.
Fans were quick to express their outrage at the decision on social media.
One fan on X gasped: “That’s ridiculous. Surely he will get that moved.”
Another said: “That’s a joke. No other way of putting it.”
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A third added: “Great ride from James Bowen here. I’m sure no one watching had an issue and I bet the owners were especially happy. Yet because of the ridiculous whip rules he gets a seven day ban and now misses the festival.”
One racing enthusiast lamented: “There are not many sports that kills itself more than horse racing.”
However, another fan predicted Bowen might still compete: “He won’t be banned. Leave it to the last day that he’s allowed to appeal.”
Bowen has enjoyed a successful season with 68 winners from 375 rides.
Cheltenham Festival will run from March 11 until March 14 this year
PA
The jockey was recently described as the “toughest jockey in the business” following a frightening incident.
Bowen suffered a horror fall at Ffos Las when Saunton Surf collapsed and rolled on top of him.
The incident left him face down in the mud in what spectators described as a “horrific” fall.
Remarkably, Bowen demonstrated extraordinary resilience by getting up and riding a winner less than an hour later.
The Warren Greatrex-trained Saunton Surf, valued at £175,000, was unhurt in the incident.