Hugh Bowman Claims His Second Nathan Berry Medal

By Mark Brassel

A white-hot Hugh Bowman has taken out the 2016 Nathan Berry Medal in emphatic fashion following a four-win haul on Day 2 of The Championships – Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day at Royal Randwick.

Bowman won the 2015 Medal and this year came from behind early leader and sentimental favourite Tommy Berry to land the prize with a total of 14 points, courtesy of wins aboard Prized Icon, Missrock, Japonise and Sofia Rosa.

“The Nathan Berry Medal is an extremely prestigious award that honours a young man who was cherished within the racing community,” said Mr Peter V’landys AM. “The Medal is an integral part of the two days of The Championships.”

Hugh Bowman held off a late surge from runner-up Damien Oliver [12 points] who finished hard with a winning treble on Danish Twist, Azkadellia and in the jewel in the crown, the $4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes aboard Lucia Valentina.



Hugh Bowman accepts the Nathan Berry Medal from Nathan's mum, Julie, his brother Tommy and Racing NSW's CEO, Peter V'landys. Image by Elisabeth Stein

“The Nathan Berry Medal is close to the heart of all the boys in that jockeys room and I feel privileged to have taken out the award,” said Hugh Bowman.

The Nathan Berry Medal – named in memory of the former top jockey who passed away last year – is awarded to the most successful jockey over the 12 races of The Championships. The Medal is unique as it features his initials ‘NJB’ in the same font Nathan displayed on his racing jodhpurs, and is adorned by a dark & light blue ribbon – the colours he carried on Unencumbered.

Following is the final 2016 Nathan Berry Medal count:-

14 - Hugh BOWMAN
12 - Damien OLIVER
10 - Tommy BERRY
8 - Kerrin McEVOY
6 - James McDONALD
5 – Brenton AVDULLA, Zac PURTON
3 – Brett PREBBLE, Craig WILLIAMS

Check out the full Nathan Berry Medal point score & further info at - 2016 Nathan Berry Medal

Click on the following link for results & video replays - The Championships Day 2 - Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day