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By Mark Brassel

Outstanding jockey Hugh Bowman has claimed his third successive Nathan Berry Medal on Day 2 of The Championships - Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day at Royal Randwick.

Bowman has made the prized Medal his own and similar to last year, came from behind leader Blake Shinn to win with a total of 10 points, courtesy of victories aboard Bonneval (James Boag’s Premium Australian Oaks) and superstar Winx (Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes).

Left: Hugh Bowman celebrates on Bonneval in the James Boag's Australian Oaks

“The Nathan Berry Medal is one of the most prestigious awards in racing and honours a young man who was extremely popular with his peers and within the racing community,” said Mr Peter V’landys AM. “The Medal is an important part of the two days of The Championships.”

Hugh Bowman was delighted to win his third Medal, saying: “I am humbled to have won the Nathan Berry Medal once again,” he said. “I can tell you all those boys in the jockeys’ room want nothing more than to win this special award that honours Nathan, a rider we all admired.”

The Nathan Berry Medal – named in memory of the former top jockey who passed away in April 2014 – 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 2017 Nathan Berry Medal count:-

10 - Hugh BOWMAN 9 – Blake SHINN 6 – Kerrin McEVOY, Mark ZAHRA 5 – Tim CLARK, Zac PURTON, Damian LANE, Corey BROWN 3 – Tommy BERRY 2 – Josh PARR, Tye ANGLAND, Jason COLLETT, Robert THOMPSON, James DOYLE, Craig WILLIAMS

*Note: The Schweppes Sydney Cup was called off but even allowing for the runner-up to win that race, Hugh Bowman would still win on countback having ridden three winners to Blake Shinn’s one.

Check out the full Nathan Berry Medal point score & further info at - 2017 Nathan Berry Medal