Upwardly mobile: 'astonishing' Bowen can now steer a car as well as a horse

James Bowen made an astonishing start to his career last season according to Nicky Henderson, who is glad the riding sensation's prowess for four legs has transferred to four wheels.

Champion conditional, the 17-year-old Bowen bagged valuable handicap hurdles on the yard's William Henry and Jenkins last term, and also won the Welsh Grand National on the Gavin Cromwell-trained Raz De Maree.

"James was the obvious discovery of last season, but to nobody's surprise," said Henderson, who also praised the contribution of main riders Nico de Boinville and Jerry McGrath.