Champion conditional jump jockey James Bowen up for BBC youth award

James Bowen's startling progress was recognised on Monday when he was shortlisted for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.

He is in the running for an award that has gone to Wayne Rooney, Andy Murray and Tom Daley in the past.

The prize goes to the man or woman who the panel considers 'the outstanding young sportsperson aged 17 or under on January 1, 2018'.

Bowen, who is based with Nicky Henderson, said: "It's exciting news, if I can do as well as some of those who've won this in the past I'll be happy. I've had plenty of people supporting me, like my dad [trainer Peter Bowen] and Mr Henderson and all the other trainers that have given me rides and contributed to my great season."

The champion conditional jockey had a memorable 2017-18 season, riding 58 winners. He also won the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on Raz De Maree at the age of just 16.

Asked about his hopes for 2018-19, he said: "I'll just keep trying to improve and to ride as many winners as I can. I'm on 38 winners at the moment and I hope I can beat last season's tally."

Watch Raz De Maree win the Welsh Grand National

Bowen is one of ten people on a shortlistthat also includes Fulham footballer Ryan Sessegnon, Commonwealth Games Gold medal-winning gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton and Wimbledon Boys' singles finalist Jack Draper.

The winner will be announced at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards on October 21 and on the BBC Sport website.

More to read:

Conditional champion James Bowen sets his sights on the top after losing claim

Teenage talent James Bowen set to join Henderson as conditional

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