Sean Bowen, Conditional jockey to Paul Nicholls won the Racing Excellence Hands and Heels Series at Ayr on Saturday. Sean, a Pony Racing graduate had previously won two races in the series and been placed in a further three. This stood him in second place and after riding in the final on Saturday he gained five points, which took him to the top of the leader board with 48 points.

Son of successful trainer Peter Bowen, 17-year-old Sean has partnered 47 winners to date, he also finished 11^th on his first ride in the Grand National this year. In addition to his already fruitful season, Sean is currently leading the Conditional Jockeys Championship by two winners, with two days to go.

The BHA Jockey Coaching programme runs alongside the Racing Excellences Series, this gives all Conditional and Apprentice jockeys the opportunity to have a coach to support them. Sean is coached by former jump jockey Mick Fitzgerald, Mick rode over 1300 winners including a Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.

Sean will be presented with a trophy and £1000 at Sandown on Saturday, the money will go towards developing and supporting his riding career. Previous winners, who include James Best, Tom Garner and Jack Sherwood, have spent their £1000 on simulators, laptops and fuel cards.

The final race of the series was won by Dale Irving, who rode Avidity for his boss James Ewart. Dale has ridden 23 winners since taking out his licence and was presented with a silver photo frame.

Notes to editors

1. Sean Bowen is Conditional to Paul Nicholls and has ridden 47 winners since taking out his licence.

2. Dale Irving is Conditional to James Ewart and has ridden 23 winners to date.

3. Racing Excellence Series is part of the BHA Jockey Coaching Programme and is the industry accreditation for all Apprentice and Conditional races which run under hands and heels or training race conditions. In February 2014 The British Racing School took over the management of the programme.