James Bowen reveals new agent as he nears return from broken wrist

James Bowen, on the sidelines since April 18 after breaking his wrist, was back riding out on Monday morning and hopes to return to action in the next few days.

Bowen was hurt when Shake Him Up, trained by the jockey's father Peter, fell at Ffos Las, although the 21-year-old still rode at Chepstow the following afternoon.

He has been absent since, but is edging closer to a comeback.

"I rode out this morning, which was the first time I've done that since the injury," he said. "I'm going to Oaksey House today and I hope to be back at the end of the week or the start of next week. I haven't missed much, maybe two or three winners, but I try not to think about it."

James Bowen won the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase on Mister Fisher in JanuaryCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Bowen, part of Nicky Henderson's powerful Lambourn yard, was champion conditional in 2017-18 and enjoyed a fine season last term when he partnered 74 winners.

"It was my best season and things went really well, which was great, although it was a bit annoying to end on 74 as I was injured in the last week of the season," he added. "I probably would have got the 75 up. The injury means I'll have a slow enough start to this season, but the target would be to better the 74."

The rider, whose older brother Sean is also a jump jockey, revealed respected Racing TV pundit and owner Chris Dixon would be booking his rides now following former agent Dave Roberts' recent retirement.

"Chris is doing Sean, Nico [de Boinville], Tom Scudamore, Jonjo [O'Neill jnr] and Aidan Coleman so there's a good bunch of us," Bowen said.

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