Teenage talent James Bowen set to join Henderson as conditional

Teenage riding sensation James Bowen is set to become a member of champion trainer Nicky Henderson's team from next month, after opting to join the yard as a conditional jockey.

Bowen, who turned 16 on March 12, has been touted as a future champion jockey and it is understood some of jump racing's biggest stables had hoped he would sign for them.

However, it is Henderson who has come out on top and Bowen, who has partnered ten winners under rules this term, will be joining his team from October 1.

The rider's father, Peter, said: "There has been plenty of speculation about where James might be riding this season but, after careful consideration, we have decided he would be best served by joining Nicky, and will do so from October."

Bowen, the younger brother of successful rider Sean, hit the headlines this year when setting a new record for a novice point-to-point rider with 30 winners in a season, including a double on his birthday.

That was five more than the totals managed by Nick Scholfield in 2007 and Rhys Flint in 2008. Scholfield and Flint both went on to become professional riders.

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