"EATING THE RIGHT FOODS IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN COUNTING CALORIES"

Horse racing is in James Bowen’s blood. His parents, Peter and Karen, run a successful horse training business; his eldest brother Mickey is a successful point-to-point trainer; his brother Sean is a jockey with more than 500 wins to his name; and James is the youngest ever winner of the Welsh Grand National, which he won in 2018 aged just 16.

- JAMES BOWEN

Riding primarily for Nicky Henderson’s stable, James has won more than 400 races already in his career, despite still being only 24. He was recently labelled the ‘toughest jockey’ in the entire sporting world’ by punters at Ffos Las racecourse after becoming trapped under a 500kg racehorse - before recovering to win a race an hour later. We caught up with him to find out how hours of training helps him maintain a winning mentality.

James Bowen: As a jockey, fitness is very important; it’s a unique sport as you have to have the strength to stay in control of the horse, while also keeping your balance - which requires a variety of muscles. During the peak season, a jockey rides seven days a week in up to seven races a day, so fitness is vital.

In the winter, I ride in a lot more races as it is our peak season, so I must ensure I maintain a lower weight. On the plus side, this becomes easier as I get into more of a routine, and I am a lot more active. So, as I am much busier, I go to the gym less as I have little-to-no days off.

In the summer, it’s the opposite as I ride in fewer races, so I go to the gym more to maintain my fitness as it is easy to become too relaxed and let your weight and fitness slip. This also allows me to prepare as much as possible for my most busy time in the winter.

One bonus is that the longer you have been a jockey, the demand lessens as your overall riding fitness improves and it becomes familiar for your body.

JB: What would a typical training week look like for you?

JB: