First Flat winner for Sean Bowen as Doc Sportello strikes at Chepstow

Grade 1-winning jump jockey Sean Bowen rode his first winner on the Flat on Friday evening aboard sprinter Doc Sportello in the 6f handicap at Chepstow.

Bowen is making the most of his light weight during a reduced summer jumps programme and rode a first Flat winner at the 17th attempt but on just his fourth mount on the Flat this year.

It was not all plain sailing as Bowen lost an iron on the six-time winner, trained by Tony Carroll and owned by George Nixon, but it ultimately made no difference with Doc Sportello prevailing by three lengths.

Watch the replay here

Bowen said: “I lost my iron but he was well enough handicapped to win anyway! When that happens over jumps you’ve got a bit more time to get it back but he’s won and that’s the main thing.

“He won well and Tony was fairly confident before the race. He likes a bit of ease in the ground so it suited him."

He added on Sky Sports Racing: “Riding on the Flat is something to keep me busy. I’m light enough as it is and nine and a half stone through the winter so I’ve only had to lose three or four pounds to get down and do these weights. It’s been easy enough and hopefully I can ride a few more winners.”

Bowen is switching back codes on Sunday with two rides for his father Peter Bowen and one mount for Harry Fry, a main ally over jumps, at Market Rasen.

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