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| Staff Writer |
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On Wednesday night 6 December, Vincent Ho won his first LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship, taking home the HK$600,000 first prize. Ho dictated matters from the front on David Hayes' Tomodachi Kokoroe, saving enough to repel the late charge of Zac Purton on Kaholo Angel.
Purton had earlier claimed a maximum 12 points with a win in the opening three races of the challenge, but it was Ho's ultra-consistent performance that secured him the title with 20 points.
Rachel King came in third with 16 points. Ho is the first home-grown jockey from Hong Kong to win the IJC, and he has a big LONGINES Hong Kong International Races ahead on Sunday 10 December, with Golden Sixty, Senor Toba, and Straight Arron. Ho missed the start of the season due to injury, but has quickly risen to fifth in the table.
“I was not aware (I had won) and I didn’t even know about the points, I just kept riding every race to have a winning chance,” said Ho.
“I felt the track today favoured the front-runners a little bit so that definitely helped and of course Mr Hayes’ team did a great job and helped me win this.”
Although Ho is now considered one of the best in the world, he still remembers his days as an apprentice attending to the riders on IJC night. This humble side to his nature has earned him the love and support of racing fans, in addition to his exceptional skills in the saddle.
Ho said, “Christophe (Soumillon), Frankie (Dettori) and Ryan (Moore) were always my idols, right up until today, and I keep learning from those good jockeys, those good horsemen. There’s still plenty to improve to (get to) their levels.”
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Ho said: “Especially after a tough injury, coming back to win this, I’m really grateful for. Hopefully this will inspire more generations to come and the Hong Kong people especially.
“As the first homegrown of course I received plenty of support here and hopefully it will inspire more kids.”
King's IJC debut was a success, as she rode the David Hall-trained Oversubscribed to victory on her first ride in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Ho is excited to reunite with his beloved Golden Sixty, whom he considers his best friend.
“He was probably the perfect start to riding here at Happy Valley,” said King, whose third-place effort in the fourth leg secured the runner-up spot in the IJC.
“He’s looked after me and did everything for me.”
Speaking after her third placing was confirmed, King added: “I think it was a good first effort. The atmosphere at Happy Valley is unbelievable and I really enjoyed it.”
Moore, a two-time winner of the IJC, continued to add to his impressive record at the Valley by guiding M Unicorn to victory in leg two for trainer Caspar Fownes. This came after Moore had a recent fall, but he showed no signs of discomfort. The excitement continued in leg three as Purton rode Silver Sonic to victory for trainer Francis Lui.
However, it was Vincent Ho who emerged as the early winner of the biggest meeting of the year, having secured a significant prize for the next 12 months.
Don't miss the HK$118 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 10th. The event features the Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), and Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m).