Hugh Bowman set for return after Winx experience left jockey 'exhausted'

The stress and strain of being entrusted to keep Winx in the winner's enclosure took its toll on jockey Hugh Bowman, who will return to riding two months after taking an indefinite break due to exhaustion.

Bowman was aboard the wondermare for 33 of her 43 starts, and their partnership was unbroken from her 14th race, all the way back in October 2015.

The alliance led to a 30-race winning streak and a slew of domestic Group 1 victories that captured not only the Australian public's imagination but transported the horse and connections to cult status worldwide.

Bowman and trainer Chris Waller enjoyed unprecedented success with WinxCredit: Michael Dodge

But with the intensity ratcheted up a notch each time Winx ran and extended the streak, by the end of her magnificent career Bowman decided to take a break from the saddle to recover.

He will return to action at Randwick next Saturday, and admitted he needed to take time away from race-riding to decompress from what was a stress-packed situation.

"I underestimated the impact that Winx had on everybody. All the emotion everyone felt around Winx, I blocked that out so I could continue to play my role and do my job to the best of my ability," Bowman told Sky Racing Radio.

"At the end of the day it took its toll and I felt that when she retired. I was just exhausted.

"A few people questioned the decision, including myself at times, but it wasn't a decision I would have made unless I needed to and I'm glad I did."

Bowman turned down the opportunity to ride at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot in August, as well as other international invitations, to allow himself to recover properly.

Although accepting he will need some time to get back to peak fitness and also knock off the ring-rust, Bowman is looking forward to returning to action.

He added: "I certainly feel good in my mind. It's been great to step away from it for a little while.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to the races, getting back into the routine and back into the winner's circle, hopefully."

It was announced this week that Winx will be covered for the first time by leading Australian stallion I Am Invincible.

For complete coverage of racing and bloodstock in Australia and New Zealand, download ANZ Bloodstock News every day http://www.anzbloodstocknews.com/issue