10 months ago
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TOP jockey Nico de Boinville has been warned by a doctor not to race at Cheltenham this weekend after rushing back from a broken collarbone.
And trainer Nicky Henderson has been forced to draft in red-hot replacement James Bowen for the big ride on Jonbon.
Racing TVDe Boinville smashed his collarbone at Doncaster last month – and it hadn’t recovered fully by the time he raced at Chepstow earlier this week.
The jockey’s agent Sam Stronge said he doesn’t yet have a timeframe for the multiple Grade 1-winning jockey’s return.
Although it is highly unlikely to impact his strong book of rides at March’s Cheltenham Festival.
Stronge said: “We’re taking it day by day to see how he is and when he’s ready to come back.
“We tried to get back as quickly as we could but it’s been a busy week and maybe it was just too quick on this occasion.”
De Boinville’s big ride on Saturday was to be JP McManus’ Champion Chase hope Jonbon in the rearranged Clarence House Chase.
The full brother to Douvan, who cost to £570,000, is 1-3 to win the £60,000 first prize.
Henderson had already lost Jonbon’s original jockey Aidan Coleman as he continues his recovery from a smashed knee.
With De Boinville and Coleman out, Bowen, brother to champion jockey-elect Sean, has filled the void.
It’ll be the Welsh jockey’s first time onboard Jonbon, one of the best British chances against the Irish at the Festival.
Bowen said: “I’m really lucky to ride him and I can’t wait to get get job done.
“I think it gives you confidence when the owner and trainer are willing to put you on a horse like Jonbon.
“He was good in the Tingle Creek at Sandown Park, but he was so impressive his first day back in the Schloer Chase. I think Cheltenham is a good track for him.”
And Hendo backed his no2 to deliver the goods, saying: “There has never been any doubt about James.
“We’re going to miss Nico, but funnily enough some horses suit different jockeys.”
Bowen, who left school at 14 and had won over £1million by the time he was 19, is booked for six rides on Saturday.
He will also get the leg up on Triumph Hurdle second favourite, Sir Gino, in the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial against ante-post fav Burdett Road.
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