@RacingPost Journalist & West Country correspondent | All Things Jumps 🏇
Articles by James Stevens
Mottershead Lands Prestigious Turf Writing Award
Lee Mottershead was crowned racing writer of the year for the fourth time after receiving the Alastair Down trophy at the United Kingdom-based Horserace Writers and Photographers Association Derby Awards Dec. 1. A Racing Post writer was guaranteed to win the award for the 11th year in a row and it went the way of Mottershead, the 2011, 2019 and 2021 winner, at the awards lunch at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
Minnie Hauk Clear Arc Favorite After Draw
Star filly was made the clear 7-2 favorite for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) after being drawn in stall 1 for Europe's most valuable flat prize at Longchamp Oct. 5. But the final field of 18 was reduced by one Oct. 2 when Cheveley Park's was declared a non-runner after returning a dirty scope, leaving trainer David O'Meara "devastated." Estrange had been drawn widest of all in stall 18. No Arc winner has come from stall 1 since Zarkava in 2008.
Wales’ Best Horse Ignites Dreams of Gold Cup and Grand National Double
Jockey Sean Bowen is kissed by trainer Rebecca Curtis as they celebrate after their horse Haiti Couleurs won the Irish Grand National. Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis tells DragonSport’s James Stevens all about Grand National favourite Haiti Couleurs, stabled at her base in Pembrokeshire. The Welsh-trained Haiti Couleurs could look to do the immortal Gold Cup-Grand National double this season as Pembrokeshire trainer Rebecca Curtis plots a huge season ahead.
Contender for Welsh Racing Festival Emerges as Jumps Season Nears
Welsh trainer Peter Bowen and son Sean. Pic: Alamy The jumps season is closing in and there could be potential clues on the home challenge for the DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival. The Bowens won the DragonBet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle last season and an early contender this year emerged at Hexham last week. The Grade 2 contest is the day one highlight of the DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival at Chepstow, which runs between October 10-12, and Mohawk Chief could be a likely player.
David Probert Bows Out in Style . . . While Mrs. Vaughan is Head of the Family Firm
Waving goodbye - Welsh jockey David Probert is leaving for Hong Kong It was another busy week in Welsh racing and the Racing Post's James Stevens has all the latest news. David Probert signed off in Britain with a winner on Saturday, as Wales' top Flat jockey heads to Hong Kong for a new chapter in his career. The Bargoed rider is travelling east after partnering his 1,687th winner in his final race in Britain aboard Queen All Star in the 5f handicap.
Asfoora at Her 'Peak' as She Seeks Nunthorpe Redemption
Henry Dwyer insists is "at her peak" as the Australian-trained sprinter bids for a first win of her European campaign this season in the Aug. 22 Nunthorpe Stakes (G1). Regular jockey Oisin Murphy was booked to ride as 17 were declared for Friday's group 1, which is the highlight on day 3 of the Ebor festival.
Wales Takes on the World at Prestigious Ebor Festival at York
Jockey David Probert. Pic: Alamy Challengers from Japan, Australia, France and Ireland will head to York for the prestigious Ebor Festival this week, but Wales, too, will be represented as The Racing Post’s James Stevens reports. Goodwood Galaxy 2.25 York, Tattersalls Acomb Stakes Wales’ top jockey David Probert is soon off to Hong Kong, but he is at York for three of the four days with perhaps his best chance coming in Wednesday’s Group 3 contest.
How a Welsh Horse Made a Bit of Glorious Goodwood History to Continue Brilliant Season
A dead heat between Saqqara Sands, ridden by Rossa Ryan (blue cap), and Tabiti, ridden by Ryan Moore. Pic. Alamy Racing Post journalist James Stevens looks at a busy week on the Flat for Welsh horses, jockeys, owners and trainers . . . A Welsh horse produced a bizarre result at the prestigious Glorious Goodwood festival last week by dead-heating with his stablemate in one of the highlights at the meeting.
It’s Tim Vaughan v Mrs Vaughan v Vaughan Jnr And Miss Vaughan
The Vaughan family (from left to right): Ed, Henry, Grace, Abbi and Tim. A Welsh family, steeped in racing, is about to get under orders for an incredible challenge. The Racing Post’s James Stevens reports on a remarkable tale plus news on a retirement decision. Later this month, a father, mother, son, and daughter from a Welsh family are to compete in the same race in an unbelievable first for racing.
Move Over, Cheltenham . . . Chepstow To Host New DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival
Chepstow Racecourse. Pic: Alamy Wales is to have its very own Cheltenham Festival - the Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival at Chepstow will be in October, with a £13-a-day ticket deal, as James Stevens reports. Wales will have its very own rival to the Cheltenham Festival as the new Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival was unveiled on Wednesday.
David Probert Saddles Up And Heads Far East
Jockey David Probert. Pic: Alamy A top Welsh jockey makes a shock move abroad - and find out how you can visit a Welsh racing yard for free. All the Welsh racing news with The Racing Post's James Stevens. David Probert, Wales's leading Flat jockey, is set for a surprise move to Hong Kong. He was granted a part-time licence by the Hong Kong Jockey Club this week to ride in one of racing's most lucrative jurisdictions when the season starts on September 7.
The Honeymoon Is Over . . . Wedding Bells Turns To Family Showdown For The Rival Bowens In £100,000 Saturday Race
James Bowen (left) and Sean Bowen (right). Pic. Alamy It is a huge weekend for the Bowen family, while on the Flat there is major success for one Welsh jockey, as the Racing Post’s James Stevens reports. One of Wales’ most famous racing families celebrated the wedding of champion jockey Sean Bowen last Friday. But just eight days later he and his two brothers are set to become rivals in a race which means everything in the household.
Cinderella's Dream Prevails in Falmouth Stakes
Godolphin's Cinderella's Dream claimed her first domestic group 1 in the July 11 Falmouth Stakes (G1) to continue an excellent week at Newmarket's July festival for William Buick and Charlie Appleby. The jockey-trainer partnership enjoyed a treble at Newmarket on Thursday, including in the Princess of Wales's Stakes (G2) with El Cordobes , and this success was a second on the day.
Notable Speech Cuts Back for July Cup
William Buick hopes 's high cruising speed will "give him every chance" when he drops to six furlongs for the first time in the July 12 July Cup Stakes (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse. A field of 15 sprinters will go to post for the group 1 on the Newmarket July course, with leading contenders and also among the final declarations. Godolphin's 2024 Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Notable Speech remains favorite for the race after connections supplemented him for £36,000 July 7.
Champion Jockey Nears Milestone As A Chance To Join The Greats Becomes More Likely
Champion Jockey Sean Bowen. Pic. Alamy Welsh connections remain busy through a scorching week on the track. The Racing Post's James Stevens has the latest news... The off-season and summer weather is no reason for champion jump jockey Sean Bowen to slow down as he remarkably nears 50 winners just over two months into the new campaign. The Welshman notched up his 46th winner of the season on Sunday and continues to be the standout name over jumps in the early part of the campaign.
'He will win!” . . . Two Years On From Infamous Interview, Wales' Star Flat Horse Looks To Land Weekend Highlight
Calling the Wind ridden by jockey Neil Callan (centre, purple) wins the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate with Golden Rules ridden by jockey Oisin Murphy (third right) second during day three Forget Royal Ascot, it is a huge weekend for a Welsh yard in the North East of England, while closer to home a major milestone was celebrated. The Racing Post's James Stevens reports.
Why do prospective tenants try to negotiate rent price?
from St Thomas, Ontario Member since Dec 7, 2013 Posts 575 Votes 408 575 Posts 408 Votes from St Thomas, Ontario Member since Dec 7, 2013 Posts 575 Votes 408 Stephen E. St Thomas, Ontario 408 Votes | 575 Posts @Jesse T. may be right on some moderation on price. A month or two of vacancy in the winter will likely eliminate margins. Having said that on the matter of incentives in general I disagree with the majority of advice on this thread.
Venetian Sun Wins Albany; Amiloc Takes King Edward VII
Trainer Karl Burke turned around a frustrating week as the highly regarded burst home to land the June 20 Albany Stakes (G3) at Royal Ascot under Clifford Lee. The 2-year-old filly had been "kicking group horses out of the way" on Burke's gallops in recent weeks and brought that class to the track to stay on bravely, having taken the lead around a furlong and a half out.
Venetian Sun Shines in Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot
Trainer Karl Burke turned around a frustrating week as the highly regarded burst home to land the June 20 Albany Stakes (G3) at Royal Ascot under Clifford Lee. The 2-year-old filly had been "kicking group horses out of the way" on Burke's gallops in recent weeks and brought that class to the track to stay on bravely, having taken the lead around a furlong and a half out.
The Five Horses For Welsh Connections To Watch At Royal Ascot
Welsh trainer Grace Harris. Pic: Alamy Royal Ascot is here and so are the big chances for Welsh connections. The Racing Post's James Stevens looks through the five names to keep an eye on. Royal Ascot week is one of the sporting landmarks of the summer and there is Welsh interest across the five days from Tuesday to Saturday. Here's the pick. 5.
Jockey McDonald Added to Wathnan Team at Royal Ascot
James McDonald has been snapped up by Wathnan Racing to ride at Royal Ascot, with the jockey named as the world's best in the Longines rankings to feature on the first three days at the meeting. McDonald, who memorably guided Nature Strip to victory in the 2022 King's Stand Stakes (G1), will be on hand to ride the operation's second string with retained jockey James Doyle to get the choice in each race.
David Probert Out To Whip Up A Derby Day Storm
David Brobert on Al Wasl Storm. Pic: Getty It is Derby day at Epsom on Saturday and The Racing Post's James Stevens has the latest on how Wales could be represented on the famous Downs. Welshman David Probert will look to pull off one of the greatest shocks in one of the greatest races as he partners Al Wasl Storm in the Derby at Epsom on Saturday. Geoff Lewis was the last Welshman to win the Derby in 1971 and Dragonbet make Probert's ride a 100-1 shot to end that long wait.
Dazzling David Probert Tees Up Big June With Haydock Treble
Jockey David Probert. Pic: Alamy It was a memorable week of Flat racing for Wales' biggest names, while it was all change at one of the major jumps yards, as James Stevens of The Racing Post reports. With the Derby and Royal Ascot just around the corner, top Welsh Flat jockey David Probert proved just how good he is with a 281-1 treble at Haydock on Thursday.
Just Beautiful . . . Sheila Lewis Gets The Winners' Treatment As New Championship Could Be On The Way
Trainer Sheila Lewis. Pic: Alamy A horse for Wales’ racing trainer-turned beauty salon owner was looking good on the track as another yard target a new championship. The Racing Post’s James Stevens reports. A potential star emerged for one of the smallest yards in Wales as Lord Cauvelliere powered to victory on his racecourse debut at Stratford on Sunday. He scooted clear by five-and-a-half lengths in the bumper, just a month after being purchased for £15,000 by Brecon-based Shelia Lewis.
Rosallion Heads Star-Studded Lockinge Stakes at Newbury
Ace miler will face eight runners as he looks to make a winning return in the Lockinge Stakes (G1) May 17 at Newbury Racecourse. He is joined by stablemate as Richard Hannon bids to match his father's record of three wins in the race. Rosallion, a 4-year-old son of , was last seen landing the St James's Palace Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot in June 2024, completing a group 1 double after his victory in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1).
Derby Horse Emerges For David Probert With Big Win At Chester
Al Wasl Storm. Pic: Alamy It was a busy week over jumps and on the Flat for Welsh connections and the Racing Post's James Stevens has all the big news across the tracks. Welshman David Probert may have secured his Derby ride after he starred at this week's big meeting at Chester with a win on Epsom-bound Al Wasl Storm. The three-year-old only won a maiden on Friday but it was over the Derby distance of a mile and a half and owners Green Team Racing have said Epsom is the target.
Bowen Brothers Star At Punchestown And Achievements Have Even Got Politicians Talking
James Bowen won on Lulamba. Pic: Alamy The eyes of the jumps world were on Ireland this week, but leading Welsh jockeys still had their say. The Racing Post's James Stevens on the weekend's action. The pressure was on but James Bowen delivered a Grade 1 success at Punchestown as Lulamba reversed Cheltenham Festival form to win the Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle.
Godolphin's Ruling Court Reigns in Two Thousand Guineas
Kentucky-bred , a son of , continued Godolphin's brilliant recent record in the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) May 3 with victory for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. He was positioned in midfield and began his charge widest on the stands' side, enduring a battle with stablemate heading into the final furlong and keeping on to win by half a length as favorite finished fast to take second. It is a third win in four years for Godolphin after victories for Coroebus (2022) and (2024).
Field of Gold, Ruling Court Headline Guineas Field
A field of 11 will line up in the first British classic of the season with leading contenders , , and among the runners for the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse May 3. William Buick has elected to ride Ruling Court, the subject of a big gamble April 30, having also had the choice of Godolphin's 2024 Dewhurst Stakes (G1) winner .
Sean Bowen . . . The Story Of The Pembrokeshire Boy Who Became A Welsh Racing Giant
Sean Bowen receives the champion jockey trophy from AP McCoy Sean Bowen joined the immortals when he was crowned champion jump jockey. The Racing Post's James Stevens salutes the journey of an eight-year-old with an allergy to horses, to the top of his sport. Championships are not just won by extreme talent, but a relentless dedication to the cause.
Haiti Couleurs' Irish Grand National Triumph Underscores Rebecca Curtis Revival And Class Of Sean Bowen
Jockey Sean Bowen gets a kiss from trainer Rebecca Curtis. Pic: Alamy Haiti Couleurs produced an incredible result in Ireland as Sean Bowen prepares to become champion jockey. The Racing Post's James Stevens reports. Haiti Couleurs joined the greats in Welsh jump racing as he beat the Irish on home soil to capture the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Monday.
Welsh Hopes For Irish Grand National Carried By Rebecca Curtis And Haiti Couleurs
Trainer Rebecca Curtis. Pic: Alamy There was top class action over jumps and on the Flat in recent days and the Racing Post's James Stevens looks through the key stories from a Welsh perspective. There was a brave third for Wales in the Scottish Grand National but attention this week turns on the Irish Grand National where a Welsh-trained horse bids to make a slice of history.
What Happens When A Top Welsh Jockey Is About To Fall? Another Welshman Keeps Him Up, Of Course!
Jockey Sean Bowen: Pic: Alamy It was not to be in the Grand National itself, but leading Welsh jockeys and trainers were in the headlines - partly thanks to one incredible Aintree moment as The Racing Post's James Stevens reports. Welsh jockeys came together to avoid a potential disaster in a remarkable incident over the Grand National fences this weekend as Sean Bowen could finish only 11th in his quest for a first win in the race.
Sean Bowen Earns Chance To Add Grand National Glory To His Incredible Season
Jockey Sean Bowen. Pic: Alamy Sean Bowen is racing away with the champion jockeys’ championship but now the Welsh star also has a chance to grab the spotlight at Aintree this weekend, as James Stevens reports. Grand National 4.00 Aintree, Saturday Three Card Brag Sean Bowen is poised to be crowned champion jockey this season and what a way to cap off his best season than with a Grand National success.
From Office Worker To Australian Ace . . . Welsh Jockey Caps Incredible Career Transformation And Now Eyes Winning World’s Richest Race
Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Rosehill, Sydney, Australia. Pic: Alamy There was an incredible moment for a Welsh jockey Down Under at the weekend as the jumps boys continued a brilliant season. The Racing Post’s James Stevens reports. Almost a decade on from quitting racing to take up a London office job, Welshman Ashley Morgan got the most glorious of vindications after once more chasing his dream.
Wales at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival: A Horse-by-Horse Guide
Ben Jones on Henry's Friend. Pic: Alamy The Cheltenham Festival is here and Wales' leading jockeys and trainers will descend on the Cotswolds bidding for glory at jump racing's biggest four days. The Racing Post's James Stevens has assessed the chances of all of Wales' runners in a horse-by-horse guide to Wales at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Tuesday Ultima Handicap Chase (2.40) 8.
Diego Velazquez, Ramatuelle Scratched From BC Mile
The European challenge for the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) has suffered another big blow after Diego Velazquez joined Ramatuelle as scratched from Saturday's contest. Diego Velazquez, an Aidan O'Brien-trained 3-year-old, was one of the leading contenders for the grade 1.
Ramatuelle Scratched From Breeders' Cup Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) morning-line fourth-choice Ramatuelle has been withdrawn just a day before the race as a precaution, following a scan. At 5-1 on the morning line, the Christopher Head-trained runner was considered one of Europe's best chances at the meeting, having bolted up in the Prix de la Foret (G1) at Longchamp Oct. 6. Her withdrawal means there will be no French-trained runners at the two-day meeting at this weekend.
European 2-Year-Olds Take Aim at Breeders' Cup Races
, a 5,000 guineas (US$6,578) breeze-up buy, is being lined up by Dave Loughnane for a tilt at the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) at in November. The daughter of earned a starting berth in the grade 1 when landing the Prestige Stakes (G3) at Goodwood last month, a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series event, taking her record to two wins and a second from three starts.
Longshot Leads Rouget-Trained Exacta in Prix Jean Prat
There are certain races in the French calendar that look ripe for British or Irish plunder, but the Prix Jean Prat (G1) confounded any such expectations as 35-1 shot led home a 1-2-3-4 for the home team under an ice-cool ride from Ioritz Mendizabal. With stablemate Havana Cigar edging out Beauvatier for second, it was a particular triumph for the Jean-Claude Rouget team.
City Of Troy's Class Prevails in Coral-Eclipse
Ryan Moore felt he "got it wrong" aboard City Of Troy in his positioning aboard the heavily favored Coral-Eclipse (G1) winner, but the talented winner of the Derby (G1) still prevailed at Sandown Park in workmanlike fashion July 6. Last season's champion 2-year-old had to battle to hold off the challenge of the fast-finishing in the final furlong to scorel a length.
Betfred to Sponsor All Five British Classics in 2025
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Betfred to Sponsor All Five British Classics in 2025
Betfred will sponsor all five British Classics next season having replaced Qipco as backers of the Two Thousand Guineas (G1) and One Thousand Guineas (G1), and the bookmaker will offer a £2 million bonus for any winner of the British Triple Crown. It is the first time that the Classics-which also include Epsom's Oaks (G1) and Derby (G1) and the St Leger (G1) at Doncaster-have been supported by one brand.
Charyn Opens Royal Ascot With Impressive Queen Anne Win
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.
Charyn Opens Royal Ascot With Impressive Queen Anne Win
got favorite backers off to a winning start at Royal Ascot June 18 with a hard-fought victory over in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1). Charyn was held in a prominent position by Silvestre de Sousa in a group on the stands' side before being delivered with his winning run two furlongs out. He stayed on well to hold off Docklands with taking third. It is a first group 1 victory for Nurlan Bizakov's colt, who arrived off the back of a promising second in the Lockinge Stakes (G1) last month.
Welsh Racing Heats Up For Summer Time
By James Stevens The summer is the prime time for the Bowen family and it was another good week for the Pembrokeshire operation as they eye the biggest jumps prize at this time of year. Forget Royal Ascot when it comes to Peter and Michael Bowen, it is Market Rasen’s Summer Plate which is top of the priority list and Sunday’s impressive Perth winner Statuario is destined for the race after his fourth win at the Scottish track.
Welsh Horse Racing Weekly - Flint And Son Flying
By James Stevens Another busy week in Welsh Horse Racing with plenty going on both in Wales and for Welsh Jockeys across the boarder. John Flint added his son and former jockey Rhys to the licence just before the start of the new jumps season and the combination wasted little time making an impact having enjoyed a 1,540-1 double during the week. The breakthrough came at Chepstow on Tuesday when Flame Of Kodiac caused a huge 66-1 shock in the mile handicap under William Carson.
Champion Turf Mare Inspiral to Face Males in Lockinge
Six-time group 1 winner and French raider are on course for a major mile clash May 18 at Newbury with the talented pair among 11 confirmations for the Lockinge Stakes (G1). Chevely Park Stud homebred Inspiral, who is the only mare in the line-up, will be making her first start since her success at the Breeders' Cup last November that nailed down champion turf female honors for her.
Horse Racing Round Up - Sean Shows His Mettle
By James Stevens Sean Bowen proved just how incredible and tough he is this week. Appearing at Fontwell for just one ride, the talented jockey walked away seemingly unscathed from an incident which looked truly horrendous to witness live. He was unseated at the first in a novice handicap hurdle from his mount, Princess Unique, who was leading at the time.
Welsh Horse Racing News
By James Stevens Sean Bowen ended the season as the runner-up in the jockeys championship but has already got his eye on the prize in the future. The son of top Pembrokeshire trainer Peter finished the campaign with a record total of 157 winners but was still seven behind Harry Cobden. While it wasn’t to be for the Welshman, the new champion does at least have some association with Wales, having had much of his grounding riding out for some of the country’s leading trainers.
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