'It was no problem' - James Bowen delivers a one-rein masterclass again

Thursday: Market Rasen

What a horseman. Fresh from conquering the Grand National fences, James Bowen rode a winner on one rein for the second time this year.

The man who won last Saturday's Grand Sefton Chase on Mac Tottie produced one of the rides of the season when landing a bumper at Chepstow in February despite snapping a rein early on.

Nor was he going to allow tack failure to deny him victory nine months on, having lost a rein on the run-in on Peejaybee in the 2m½f maiden hurdle. He kept his mount going straight and held on well aboard the 7-2 shot for a three-and-a-half-length win.

"My reins came undone at the top, at the buckle, and I lost one of them," Bowen said afterwards. "But it was no problem. You don't worry about it when it's in the heat of the battle, it's only when you cross the line.

"He was going straight and when you're in a finish they are battling and racing so they normally go straight. It wasn't actually a massive problem."

James Bowen at his best

James Bowen expertly guides Peejaybee (noseband) on one rein

One rein, no problem: Bowen passes the line in front aboard Peejaybee for a first win over hurdles

Trainer Richard Spencer was impressed by Bowen's effort on Peejaybee, and said: "He's a quiet ride and James is a very good horseman. He did a good job."

At Chepstow in February the broken rein meant Bowen lost control of Mot A Mot within the first furlong of a 2m bumper.

He then pressed on into the lead and gradually increased his advantage throughout the race, but had to avoid a scare in the final furlong when his mount almost crashed into the wing before Bowen safely guided him to the line.

Watch James Bowen's heroics aboard Peejaybee

Peejaybee was a first hurdles winner of the season for Spencer, who is targeting more winners over jumps this winter.

"I've had winners at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood and usually five-furlong two-year-old Group races and six-furlong Group races have been our forte, but we've got eight to go over jumps this winter," the trainer said.

"Wonderwall would be the main one and we'll probably get him out in a novice hurdle in December. He did very well last season in bumpers and he's strengthened up. And this lad has done it well today so it's very exciting."

Century up

Richard Patrick rode the 100th winner of his career when he and Chilli Filli repeated last year's success in the 3m Listed mares' chase.

It was a third straight victory in the race for Henry Daly, who also took it with Atlanta Ablaze in 2018.

Patrick, 26, rode his first winner just over five years ago, and said: "It's taken a while to reach 100, but it's brilliant to get there.

"I'm very lucky to ride for some great people. I lost my claim in December and since then it's snowballed and kept going.

"The target is just to ride as many winners as possible, I've got a lot of nice young horses from all the people I ride for so I hope I can have a good season and stay injury-free."

Read more here:

James Bowen pulls off extraordinary feat after riding a winner with one rein

Team Bowen at it again over National fences as Mac Tottie wins Grand Sefton

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non-withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.