Grand National jockey who grew up allergic to horses hoping to become race's second-youngest winner

Being allergic to horses wasnt the perfect start in life for the little boy born in a racing stables.

As a toddler, Sean Bowen had an acute dislike for his parents 50 thoroughbreds as he suffered eczema every time he got near horse hair.

Now 17, its a different story. This weekend, Sean will bid to become the second youngest jockey ever to win the Grand National.

It is a chance he has been dreaming of for years. Its in his blood so much so that Sean went to his first races at just 10 days old.

But his allergy to horses will not be the only hurdle he has overcome if he rides to victory this weekend.

One of his 39 rivals is horse Al Co the pride of trainer dad Peters stables, where rising star Sean grew up in Little Newcastle, near Haverfordwest, in West Wales.

Thats all dad ever says to me, his dream is to train the Grand National winner, says Sean. But words couldnt describe what it would be like for me to win.

Parents and son going head-to-head is certainly going to be emotional.

But for Seans mum Karen it seems like no time since she first took Sean to the races a nightmare 310-mile journey to Market Rasen when he was 10 days old.

I drove the horse box and Sean was beside me in his baby seat, the mum of three recalls. His older brother Mickey used to fall asleep the moment we left the yard and he wouldnt wake up until we arrived at the races.

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Grand National jockey who grew up allergic to horses hoping to become race's second-youngest winner