Bowman to ride at Karaka Millions meeting

Hugh Bowman has been booked to ride one of the leading contenders in New Zealand’s richest race, the Karaka Million.

Bowman will be aboard Padraig for trainers Brendon and Keith Hawtin in the $1 million race for two-year-olds at Ellerslie on January 29.

Australia’s leading Group One jockey combined with the Hawtins in 2012 when Silk Pins ran second to the Anthony Freedman-trained Ockham’s Razor.

“We’ve been mates for quite a while and Hugh has been confirmed for the ride,” Brendon Hawtin told nzracing.co.

Padraig is part-owned by Tommy Heptinstall, who has also enjoyed past success with Bowman.

“They’ve had a bit of luck together with Trent (Busuttin) when Sangster won the Victoria Derby,” Hawtin said.

“Tommy said that if Padraig happened to make it through to the Karaka Million then Hugh would be our man.”

Padraig is a $9 chance with TABNZ following his win at Trentham on Saturday with Felton Road and Hasahalo the $5 equal favourites.

Felton Road is trained by Tony Pike while Hasahalo is prepared by Stephen McKee who won the race last year with Xiong Feng.