Sean Bowen Saturday Blog | Taunton
15 Jan 2026
Coral Racing Ambassador, Sean Bowen, previews his seven rides at Taunton on Saturday, including dual Grade 2 winner, Brewin'upastorm, who runs in the feature race on the card at 15:15.
12:55 Taunton – Harbour Island
First up at Taunton I’m onboard Harbour Island in the maiden hurdle. He showed plenty of promise in bumpers last season, especially that debut where he was beaten by Mydaddypaddy. I thought that was a very solid run behind a good horse, but his last effort was a bit disappointing and I think that might have come too soon after Carlisle. We’re still chasing that first win over hurdles, but if he’s primed, I think he’s got a good chance of running a big race here.
13:32 Taunton – Heron In The Park
Heron In The Park won on the point-to-point circuit and has some decent bumper form, however over hurdles she’s been a touch keen. Last time she just didn’t quite settle and unseated her rider, but if she can jump well and settle into a rhythm, she gives herself a chance. She really needs to get it right in the early part to be competitive here.
14:05 Taunton – Kilworth
Kilworth is making her first appearance in a handicap for Emma Lavelle. She was a point winner and has shown she can be competitive, but the handicapper hasn’t been overly kind with her mark. Hopefully she relaxes, jumps straight, and if we get a nice pace to aim at, that’ll give her every chance in this competitive race.
14:43 Taunton – Valirann Gold
Valirann Gold ran well last time on very heavy ground at Exeter where only two finished that day as the conditions were a proper slog. We’re keeping an eye on the weather, as rain could again make it soft, which he doesn’t mind. He’s had a couple of good efforts this season and if he jumps with enthusiasm, he’ll go close.
15:15 Taunton – Brewin’upastorm
I am excited to get back on board the old champ, Brewin’upastorm. He’s already won this race before, and at 13, he’s still got plenty of enthusiasm for racing. He’s dropped down the weights over his last couple of runs, which he has probably needed, and he has shown a bit more spark recently. Now down to a mark of 139, which is the lowest he’s ever been, and in a small field, it could be a good opportunity for him.
15:50 Taunton – Lough Owel
This will be my first time on Lough Owel. He had a couple of decent runs up to October but was disappointing at Fontwell last time. He's had about a 40-day break since then, so he should come here fresh. Maybe that break will have done him good and he can resume in better form.
16:20 Taunton – Little Ledgend
Little Ledgend ran a good race at Lingfield last time, beaten by a horse that has gone on to win again since, so the form is solid. He’s now down to a mark of 99, which gives him a real chance off a nice weight, and his bumper form suggests he still could have more to come. If he jumps and travels well throughout, he will have a good chance of breaking his maiden.
Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador
12:55 Taunton – Harbour Island
First up at Taunton I’m onboard Harbour Island in the maiden hurdle. He showed plenty of promise in bumpers last season, especially that debut where he was beaten by Mydaddypaddy. I thought that was a very solid run behind a good horse, but his last effort was a bit disappointing and I think that might have come too soon after Carlisle. We’re still chasing that first win over hurdles, but if he’s primed, I think he’s got a good chance of running a big race here.
13:32 Taunton – Heron In The Park
Heron In The Park won on the point-to-point circuit and has some decent bumper form, however over hurdles she’s been a touch keen. Last time she just didn’t quite settle and unseated her rider, but if she can jump well and settle into a rhythm, she gives herself a chance. She really needs to get it right in the early part to be competitive here.
14:05 Taunton – Kilworth
Kilworth is making her first appearance in a handicap for Emma Lavelle. She was a point winner and has shown she can be competitive, but the handicapper hasn’t been overly kind with her mark. Hopefully she relaxes, jumps straight, and if we get a nice pace to aim at, that’ll give her every chance in this competitive race.
14:43 Taunton – Valirann Gold
Valirann Gold ran well last time on very heavy ground at Exeter where only two finished that day as the conditions were a proper slog. We’re keeping an eye on the weather, as rain could again make it soft, which he doesn’t mind. He’s had a couple of good efforts this season and if he jumps with enthusiasm, he’ll go close.
15:15 Taunton – Brewin’upastorm
I am excited to get back on board the old champ, Brewin’upastorm. He’s already won this race before, and at 13, he’s still got plenty of enthusiasm for racing. He’s dropped down the weights over his last couple of runs, which he has probably needed, and he has shown a bit more spark recently. Now down to a mark of 139, which is the lowest he’s ever been, and in a small field, it could be a good opportunity for him.
15:50 Taunton – Lough Owel
This will be my first time on Lough Owel. He had a couple of decent runs up to October but was disappointing at Fontwell last time. He's had about a 40-day break since then, so he should come here fresh. Maybe that break will have done him good and he can resume in better form.
16:20 Taunton – Little Ledgend
Little Ledgend ran a good race at Lingfield last time, beaten by a horse that has gone on to win again since, so the form is solid. He’s now down to a mark of 99, which gives him a real chance off a nice weight, and his bumper form suggests he still could have more to come. If he jumps and travels well throughout, he will have a good chance of breaking his maiden.
Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador
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