3 minute read
Hugh Bowman is rapt to get another chance to ride evergreen galloper So Si Bon.
A lot has happened in Hugh Bowman's career since he rode So Si Bon for the first and only time.
It was in the 2016 VRC Derby, a week after the champion jockey partnered Winx to the second of her record four Cox Plate victories and just 13 wins into her incredible 33-race unbeaten streak.
More than five years later, and Bowman is thrilled to be reuniting with the enduring gelding in Saturday's Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
Bowman and So Si Bon finished fourth to Prized Icon in that Derby and while the jockey has since reached racing's pinnacle through his association with the mighty mare, he has continued to take an interest in So Si Bon
Now an eight-year-old, So Si Bon is no champion, but his longevity at the top level is rare.
He has participated in every Melbourne spring carnival since 2016, winning the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown last year and placing in several Group 1s, including the 2020 Makybe Diva Stakes.
On Saturday, So Si Bon will make his fourth foray to Sydney where his best previous effort was a third in the 2017 Rosehill Guineas.
He has drawn barrier 19 in the Villiers and at $31, is given only an outsider's chance, but that has done nothing to dull Bowman's enthusiasm.
"I have followed him with intent throughout his career," Bowman said.
"He is an awesome horse. Not many horses race as consistently as he does at the level he races at for as long as he has.
"Hopefully he can win."
Originally prepared by Robbie Laing, So Si Bon has spent the bulk of his career under the Lindsay Park banner, which is now headed up by Ben and Jd Hayes .
He will line up for start number 72 on Saturday and if he can finish first or second, he will push his prizemoney over the $2 million mark.