Promising Bowen could join Henderson for core jumping season

Teenage riding sensation James Bowen could join Nicky Henderson’s yard for the core jumping season, his trainer father Peter revealed after the 16-year-old once again showed plenty of polish in the saddle to land the 2m6½f handicap chase aboard veteran Strumble Head.

Bowen snr said: “James is going to Nicky Henderson’s yard for a day next week to ride out with a view to possibly joining him later this autumn, but no firm decision has yet been made about his future.”

Strumble Head may be 12 years of age but he retains plenty of ability and put some younger rivals in the shade with a bold front-running show from the front before having enough in reserve off the home turn to see off favourite Wade Harper by six lengths.