Nallen's nephew rides first winner

Sean Bowen rounded off a remarkable year for his family today, as John Nallen's 16 year old nephew registered a first winner in Dundalk's Irishinjuredjockeys.com Claiming Race, on the Denis Hogan trained Ajax Tavern (14/1).

A dual-UK winner, Ajax Tavern was purchased by Hogan for just 5,000gns at Tattersalls on October 28 and today was delivered by Bowen to lead at the furlong pole and score readily by three and a quarter lengths from Hightown Heights

Bowen is a nephew of Clonmel hotelier and point-to-point trader Nallen, who completed a remarkable 2021 double with two of his graduates Minella Indo and Minella Times winning the Gold Cup and Grand National respectively.

Following today's race, Bowen, whose mother Liz manages the family's Hotel Minella, reported “I just got my license at the end of September and that’s my fifth ride so far.

“I did pony racing for a few years and had ten winners and it was a great help riding finishes and starting. It was a great benefit.

“I’m riding out for Denis two days a week and the rest of the week with my uncle John Nallen. I’m still in school but doing transition year at the moment which has given me a chance to focus on it.”

Regarding Ajax Tavern, he said “he was lazy enough after jumping off but then started travelling and turning in he lit up. It’s a great feeling.

Nallen continues with his point-to-point trading business and also had a recent flat runner with last week's unplaced Pinball Wizard, under Bowen, at the Co Louth venue.

There were four claims made for Ajax Tavern with trainer Ger O'Leary proving successful at a cost price of €8,000 while sixth-placed House Of Kings was claimed for €5,000 by trainer Noel Kelly.

Quotes from Alan Magee