53 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight: James Bowen continues red-hot form as Sunshine Diamond sparkles

James Bowen's red-hot form continued when he galvanised Sunshine Diamond to a narrow win the 3m½f novice hurdle.   

Bowen set out to make all on the Neil Mulholland-trained five-year-old, but after being well clear he was headed approaching the final flight by Shakeyatailfeather. However, he rallied in the closing stages to deny that rival by a head.

The victory took Bowen's strike-rate in the last fortnight to a remarkable 53 per cent, with nine of his 17 rides in that time period winning.

"It's always great when you can call on someone like James on the track, but he's equally as important off of it as well," Mulholland said. "He knew him from home as he comes to our yard and schools regularly. It's great to have him as part of our team."

On the winner, he added: "We're very happy with what he did there. He's a nice horse but lacked a recent run, so he had to do it the hard way. He really dug deep."

Wedge winners

Adam Wedge continued his fine form in the saddle when Nevendon held on to land the opening 2m handicap chase.

The Alexandra Dunn-trained seven-year-old denied the fast-finishing Clean Getaway by a neck. It was the jockey's sole ride and it took his strike-rate in the last fortnight to 27 per cent.

Welcome win

Nicky Henderson enjoyed his first jumps winner since June with In The Air's success in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

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