Teenager Bowen booked for Grand National Rising star Sean Bowen clinched that all-important 10th win over fences on Virak at Haydock to qualify for the mount on Mon Parrain in the Crabbie's Grand National. The leading conditional admitted he had been "getting frustrated", but is now excited at the prospect of his first ride in the world-famous steeplechase at Aintree next weekend. Bowen, 17, took his tally for the season to 37 when starring on the card with a treble, with the Paul Nicholls-trained Virak (5-2 favourite) the highlight in the 888sport.com Handicap Chase. Bowen, who is going head-to-head with Gold Cup-winning rider Nico de Boinville in the race for the conditional title, said: "I've been waiting for that for a while, but I'm glad I've got it and hopefully Mon Parrain will be a good spin in the National. "I was very frustrated. Monday was the last day I could do it as Tuesday and Wednesday there are no jump meetings." He went on: "Thanks to Paul for giving me the chances to ride these horses and it's great to get my 10 winners over fences. It will be great to ride in the National, that was a target, but the main target is to go for the conditional jockeys' title, though Nick will be hard to beat." Nicholls' assistant Tom Jonason said: "Virak was the class horse in the race and Sean gave him a good ride. He won really nicely. He'll be put away now. He's had quite a long season." Reporting the Nicholls squad for the National to be in good shape, Jonason added: "Four or five are going to go and they are all in good form. "Rocky Creek galloped on Friday and is in sparkling form. Sam (Twiston-Davies) rode him. Unioniste also galloped and Noel (Fehily) rode him at Wincanton. We took a few there and they all looked pretty well. "Rebel Rebellion runs and Ryan Mahon rides him. Jack Sherwood has won on him a couple of times, but was in the same boat as Sean (Bowen) in that he hasn't had enough winners over fences. Mon Parrain is in good order, too."
