Three members of the Bowen family are among the leading contenders for the 2026 Welsh Horse Racing Awards – with brothers Sean, James and Mickey all nominated for honours at the special ceremony at Chepstow Racecourse on Thursday, October 8.
The trio have enjoyed another memorable year in the sport, with Sean and James nominated for National Hunt Jockey of the Year, alongside Ben Jones, while younger brother Mickey is in contention for National Hunt Trainer of the Year.
It promises to be a particularly special occasion for the Bowen family and for Welsh racing, with the awards, sponsored by the Racehorse Owners’ Association and Oakgrove Stud, returning to Chepstow during the racecourse's centenary year.
Chepstow opened its gates in 1926 and has spent a century at the heart of Welsh racing. The racecourse has celebrated its landmark anniversary throughout 2026, including a special Centenary Raceday in August.
The 2026 awards will provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Welsh racing over the past 12 months – across both the flat and jump codes.
Sean Bowen goes into the awards as Britain's reigning champion jump jockey after successfully defending the title in 2025-26. He finished the campaign with 241 winners, with younger brother James third in the championship on 105 victories.
Sean's season included a second consecutive jockeys' championship and a remarkable tally which was second only to Sir AP McCoy's best figures for a British jumps season.
James also enjoyed a landmark campaign, securing his first Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Holloway Queen in the National Hunt Challenge Cup in March. The success came with an extra family twist, as he beat his brother Sean to become the first of the three Bowen brothers to ride or train a winner at the Festival.
Mickey Bowen has also continued to establish himself as a trainer in his own right after taking over the family operation from his father Peter. His season has included a major success with Queensbury Boy in the Grade 3 Summer Plate at Market Rasen, ridden by James Bowen. In recent weeks Mickey announced he is preparing to take the next step in his career by relocating his training operation from Pembrokeshire to Worcestershire.
The Bowen brothers provide a fitting symbol of the strength and depth of Welsh racing at present – a family producing success in the saddle and in the training ranks.
They face strong competition across the awards, with Evan & Cath Williams, Sam Thomas and Christian Williams completing the National Hunt Trainer of the Year shortlist.
The Flat Trainer of the Year contenders are David Evans, Grace Harris, Tom Faulkner and Chris Mason, while Daniel Muscutt, Harry Davies and David Probert make up the Flat Jockey of the Year shortlist.
There are also awards recognising the horses that have made their mark during the year.
The nominees for Leading National Hunt Horse are Coral Welsh Grand National Winner Haiti Couleurs, Libberty Hunter, Steel Ally and Celtic Dino, while Kings Code, All Ways Glamorous, Dandyman Dan and Exclamation are in contention for Leading Flat Horse.
In the ownership category, John Deer, Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group, Jayne & Gwyn Brace and Sue Howell have been nominated for Owner of the Year.
The Breeder of the Year award will be contested by Kelly Thomas.
There will also be a series of Special Recognition Awards presented during the evening to individuals from across Welsh racing, including jockeys, trainers and owners.
A racing icon will also be inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame, recognising an individual whose achievements and contribution have left a lasting mark on the sport in Wales. The evening will culminate with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Horse Racing Award, the highest honour presented on the night.
Phil Bell, Regional Director for Arena Racing Company said: “We are delighted to return the awards to Chepstow on the Centenary year.
“It has been an exceptional period for Welsh horse racing, with considerable success across both the Flat and National Hunt codes, and there will certainly be plenty to celebrate on the evening. Once again, Welsh horse racing is punching above its weight, providing fabulous sporting entertainment and making a significant contribution to the rural economy."
The awards will provide the perfect launchpad for one of the biggest weekends in the Welsh racing calendar.
For the second consecutive year, Chepstow will stage the DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival, with three days of jump racing from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11.
The 2026 festival will once again feature the £80,000 DragonBet Persian War Novices' Hurdle, while the Sunday card sees the return to Chepstow of the £50,000 DragonBet Welsh Champion Hurdle.
The combination of the Welsh Horse Racing Awards and the DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival means four consecutive days at Chepstow will put the spotlight firmly on the sport in Wales.
Welsh Horse Racing Awards – Thursday, October 8, 2026
DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival – Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026
Chepstow Racecourse – Centenary Year 2026
