THREE members of the Bowen family, including current British Champion Jump Jockey Sean, are among the leading contenders for the 2026 Welsh Horse Racing Awards at Chepstow Racecourse on Thursday, October 8.

Sean and brother James have been 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.

Sponsored by the Racehorse Owners’ Association and Oakgrove Stud, the awards are returning to Chepstow during the racecourse's centenary year on the eve of the course’s prestigious three-day DragonBet Welsh Racing Festival jump season opener 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.

Chepstow opened its gates in 1926 and has spent a century at the heart of Welsh racing, hosting a special Centenary Raceday in August.

Pembrokeshire-based Sean Bowen defended his British Champion Jump Jockey crown last season, finishing the campaign with 241 winners – second only to Sir AP McCoy's best figures – including Haiti Couleurs in the Coral Welsh National at the course in December.

James Bowen also enjoyed a landmark campaign, finishing third overall with 105 wins and securing his first Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Holloway Queen in the National Hunt Challenge Cup in March.

Mickey Bowen has also continued to establish himself as a trainer after taking over the family operation from his father Peter, which he is now relocating to Worcestershire.

His season included a major success with Queensbury Boy in the Grade 3 Summer Plate at Market Rasen, ridden by James.

They face strong competition, with Abergavenny’s own Sam Thomas, Christian Williams, and Evan and Cath Williams completing the National Hunt Trainer of the Year shortlist.

Pandy trainer David Evans – fresh from victory at Southwell on Thursday when 3-1 shot Meet Me In Meraki under Billy Loughnane squeezed home by a nose to take the £7,500 attheraces.com/marketmovers Selling Handicap over 1m 3f – is a contender for Flat Trainer, alongside Shirenewton’s Grace Harris, Chepstow’s Chris Mason and Devauden’s Tom Faulkner.

Daniel Muscutt, Harry Davies and David Probert make up the Flat Jockey of the Year shortlist.

And nominees for Leading National Hunt Horse are Rebecca Curtis’ Coral Welsh Grand National Winner Haiti Couleurs, Libberty Hunter, Thomas’ Steel Ally and Celtic Dino, while Evans’ Kings Code, Mason’s All Ways Glamorous, Oliver Cole’s Dandyman Dan and Harris’ Exclamation are in contention for Leading Flat Horse.

John Deer, Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group, Jayne & Gwyn Brace and Sue Howell have been nominated for Owner of the Year.

And there will also be a series of Special Recognition Awards presented to individuals from across Welsh racing, while a racing icon will also be inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.

The evening will culminate with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to Welsh Horse Racing Award.

Phil Bell, Arena Racing Company Regional Director, said: “We’re 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.

“Once again, Welsh horse racing is punching above its weight, providing fabulous sporting entertainment and making a significant contribution to the rural economy."