Hugh Bowman stands down from Gold Coast

Winx's jockey Hugh Bowman has forfeited his rides at the Gold Coast feature meeting, saying he plans to take an extended break from riding.

Bowman told Queensland stewards on Friday afternoon he would not be taking his rides the following day which included Shillelagh in the Group Two Hollindale Stakes.

The jockey is an integral part of the Winx story, riding her to all her 25 Group One wins including her last, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 13, her swan song.

Since her retirement, Bowman has ridden in Sydney and Hong Kong, his latest winner coming at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Bowman and Winx's trainer Chris Waller endured relentless pressure on their time leading up to the mare's retirement.

After her Queen Elizabeth win, Bowman gave a rare insight into his life and the importance of his family as he put his association with Winx into context.

On Friday he told the Daily Telegraph everything was fine but he was "exhausted" and needed a break.