Sport
More success for Letterston F1 engineer


Owen Jones: With his wife
Amanda, with the Autosport ‘Racing
Car of the Year 2015’ Trophy at
the Grosvenor House Hotel,
Park Lane
IT’S BEEN another very successful year for Formula One engineer Owen Jones, formerly of Letterston. Whilst Lewis Hamilton picked up his third World Championship, the Mercedes AMG team again won the Constructor’s World Formula One Trophy. In addition, Owen with five of his colleagues represented the Mercedes Formula One team recently, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London when Mercedes again won the Autosport Racing Car of the Year Award for the second year running.
“It is hard to improve on something many perceive as flawless” proclaimed Autosport Magazine “but Mercedes managed to achieve exactly that in 2015”. In fact, between them Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg scored 18 poles and 16 wins, just as they did in 2014, but this time with a new Formula One record of 12 first and second finishes – and with 703 points – 2 more than in 2014. As Head of Performance Engineering at the Mercedes Engine factory at Brixworth, near Northampton Owen has been a key contributor to the engine’s fantastic performance. An engine recognised by everyone as the best in Formula One. A former pupil at Fishguard Secondary School, Owen gained a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial before joining Cosworth Racing as a Senior Engineer.
He was later headhunted by Mercedes to be their Head of Performance Engineer and has since gained considerable success in the world of Formula One. This is the fourth World Title to come Owen’s way with the Mercedes engine. The first was with Hamilton’s McLaren in 2008, and then Button’s Brawn in 2009. These were followed by Lewis Hamilton’s double success first in 2014 and now in 2015 with this year’s Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid World Championship winning car. Owen believes next year will be even harder with Ferrari making up ground during this year’s championship. Owen lives near Towcester with his wife Amanda and children Elena and Alice. His parents, Patrick and Valerie Jones live at Loveston near Kilgetty.
Sport
Sean Bowen amongst UK’s highest-earning jockeys as he shines at Cheltenham

PEMBROKESHIRE’S own Sean Bowen, hailing from Letterston, has cemented his place among the UK’s top jockeys, ranking fourth on the all-time career earnings list for British National Hunt riders. With a staggering £11.5 million in prize money to his name, Bowen continues to make waves on the biggest stage—Cheltenham Festival 2025.
Bowen’s rise to the top
The latest rankings, compiled by racing experts at OLBG, highlight Bowen’s remarkable achievements:
Top-Earning British Jockeys
- Sam Twiston-Davies – £21,968,167
- Harry Skelton – £18,837,862
- Harry Cobden – £17,717,810
- Sean Bowen – £11,520,715
- Charlie Deutsch – £7,071,208
Bowen, 26, has quickly become one of the most respected jockeys in the sport, following in the footsteps of his father, Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. His younger brother, James Bowen, also ranks among the top-earning jockeys, sitting in seventh place with £5.6 million in career winnings.
With major wins in the Grand National and multiple Grade 1 victories, Sean Bowen is a name synonymous with Welsh racing success.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Bowen in Action
This week, Bowen has been front and centre at the Cheltenham Festival, competing in multiple high-stakes races:
- Heads Up – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) (March 12): Bowen guided Heads Up to a strong second-place finish, proving his ability on one of the festival’s biggest stages.
- Western Zephyr – Grand Annual Chase (March 12): In one of the most unpredictable handicap chases, Bowen put in a solid ride aboard Western Zephyr.
- The Goffer – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (March 12): Tackling Cheltenham’s unique Cross Country course, Bowen took on the gruelling challenge with The Goffer.
- Might I – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (March 12): Competing in one of the festival’s most competitive handicap hurdles, Bowen demonstrated his versatility.
- Jane Eire – Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (March 13): Bowen will look to add another big festival win to his name in this prestigious event.
A Pembrokeshire jockey on the big stage
As one of Wales’ top sporting figures, Sean Bowen’s continued success keeps Pembrokeshire in the spotlight of British horse racing. With Cheltenham still in full swing, local fans will be hoping for more triumphs from the Letterston star.
His incredible career earnings, combined with his continued performances at the festival, show why he is one of the most respected and successful jockeys in the UK today.
Sport
Seagulls soar over Vikings in friendly clash

FISHGUARD & GOODWICK RFC hosted the Pembrokeshire Vikings on Saturday (Mar 8) in a spirited mixed-ability rugby match. The game, played at a fast pace, saw some seasoned heads in the Fishguard side controlling play, leading to a 34-14 victory for the home team.
Among the notable moments, Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz took to the field for the Seagulls, adding to the competitive but friendly atmosphere. Vikings mascot and vice-captain Luca Morillo played his first match alongside his father, Andrew Morillo, who captained the team for the day. Joe Lewis also made a welcome return, featuring in his first game of the season.

The Vikings’ standout performers included James Tylor, Daffyd Cowl, Ross Price, and Ashley Couceiro. Special recognition went to Gareth Rees, who played his final match before undergoing surgery. Coach Gethin Bateman was actively involved throughout, rallying his side.
The Vikings’ points came from tries by Daf Cowl and Luca Morillo, with Morillo’s try converted by his father. Cowl was named sponsors’ man of the match for his efforts.
While the match left a few sore bodies in its wake, it was a celebration of rugby’s inclusive spirit and camaraderie.

Sport
Pembrokeshire Div 2: Narberth stay top as Fishguard edge nine-goal thriller

LEAGUE leaders Narberth remain in control of the Division 2 title race, holding a two-point advantage over Fishguard Sports, who secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over Johnston.
Fishguard win nine-goal battle
Fishguard Sports kept their title hopes alive with a thrilling 5-4 win over Johnston. Goals from Anthony Couzens, Greg Hughes, Ieuan Llewellyn, Luke Thomas, and Matthew Lewis ensured the visitors claimed all three points. Johnston fought back with a hat-trick from Callum Rees and a strike from Josh Knapp, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fishguard.
Lawrenny run riot against Solva
Two of last season’s promoted sides met in a crucial battle for survival, with Lawrenny overpowering Solva 8-3. Joe Kidney led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by Owen James (2), Matthew Lewis (2), and Sam Davies. Solva responded through Kieran Price (2) and Josh Bland but struggled to cope with Lawrenny’s attacking firepower.
Carew Reserves claim vital win
Carew Reserves picked up a crucial 3-1 away victory at Broad Haven. Connor Hay opened the scoring before James Hinchliffe struck twice. Marco Valentine netted for the hosts, but the visitors proved too strong.
Weekend round-up
With Hakin United Reserves and Camrose both out of action, Fishguard closed the gap on Narberth, while Broad Haven remain winless at the foot of the table.
Division 2 standings
Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Narberth | 18 | 15 | 2 | 1 | +59 | 47 |
2 | Fishguard Sports | 18 | 14 | 3 | 1 | +62 | 45 |
3 | Hakin Utd Reserves | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | +39 | 41 |
4 | Camrose | 19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | +18 | 34 |
5 | Neyland | 18 | 9 | 3 | 6 | +14 | 30 |
6 | Merlins Bridge Res | 19 | 9 | 3 | 7 | +14 | 27 |
7 | Johnston | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | +7 | 26 |
8 | Carew Reserves | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | -31 | 21 |
9 | Solva | 22 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -19 | 18 |
10 | Lawrenny | 20 | 4 | 2 | 14 | -51 | 14 |
11 | Monkton Swifts Res | 18 | 3 | 4 | 11 | -45 | 13 |
12 | Broad Haven | 18 | 0 | 4 | 14 | -67 | 4 |
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