Winx’s return to racing could be delayed after her regular rider, Hugh Bowman, failed to have a suspension reduced.

The mare was due to meet an engagement in the Apollo Stakes on February 17 that is in the balance now, the decision is whether Chris Waller would engage another jockey, or delay the mare’s return to racing

After Winx finished fifth in a second barrier trial earlier in the week, no decisions have been reached at this stage.

Bowman has ridden the mare in 20 of her 22 wins, however, Waller is not going to be rushed into hasty decisions, there is a lot at stake, he is juggling a time bomb at the moment, he cannot afford to make a mistake.

“Do we risk another jockey? Or does she have to run in the Apollo Stakes, that is the other question, that is what we have to work out,” said Chris Waller.

The Chipping Norton could be the decider; all parties should be comfortable with that, another couple of weeks may be the best decision.

Chris Waller