Britain’s newly-crowned champion jockey Sean Bowen was at his brilliant best as he steered Putapoundinthejar to victory in the opening race on day three of the
Festival.
Taking to the saddle for the first time sine celebrating his title triumph with a big-race success aboard Resplendent Grey in Saturday’s bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, the 27-year-old produced another power-packed ride on Tony Martin’s 17-2 shot in the Specialist Group Handicap Hurdle.
Battle Of Ridgeway (50-1) was clear of the chasing pack on the run to the final flight, but Bowen conjured a late charge out of Putapoundinthejar, who got up to score by half a length.
Bowen, who since Saturday has enjoyed his stag party in Tenerife, said: “He did well to win as he didn’t jump well at all. He got into a rhythm from halfway and did well to pick up the leader.
“I had a good clear run down to the last. He winged the last and picked up well from the back of it.
“It’s good ground and he enjoyed that. He will have learned loads today.”