Rocco Bowen was reduced to tears of joy after his mount and race favourite, Background, prevailed by a head in a thrilling blanket finish of the Grade 3 Longacres Mile Handicap on Sunday at Emerald Downs.
This victory cemented a hat-trick for Bowen, 32, and marked a triumphant return to his old stomping ground in the American city of Auburn in the state of Washington, where he won championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Apart from landing the most lucrative race in the Pacific Northwest of the United States worth US $100 000 with Background, he also won the fourth race aboard Suddenly Winning and the seventh race with My Grandpa.
In the marquee event over 1 600 metres, Bowen settled Background in the middle of the pack, and Pappa’s Golden Boy and Anyportforastorm led early. (LY)
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