The Licensing Committee of the Hong Kong Jockey Club has resolved to grant Mr Jamie Richards a Trainer’s licence for the 2022/2023 racing season, and to grant Mr Tony Cruz a Trainer’s licence for the 2022/2023 racing season, and that Mr Cruz remains eligible to be considered for a Trainer’s licence until the 2026/2027 racing season, inclusive, provided he continues to meet the benchmarks set down by the Club.

Mr Jamie Richards

Mr Richards, currently the Head Trainer of Te Akau Racing in New Zealand, has already amassed total 50 Group 1 wins, 3 New Zealand Trainers Premierships, and is currently ranked second in the New Zealand Trainers Ranking in season 2021/2022.

Mr Andrew Harding, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Racing, said: “Jamie Richards is an exceptional talent.  He has rewritten the record books in New Zealand racing and amply demonstrated that he has the ability to train at the standard required in Hong Kong and make a significant contribution to our world-class racing. He has the experience and insight to source horses that will succeed in Hong Kong, the skills to achieve high-performances, and an absolute commitment to owners’ communication and providing owners with a high-value ownership experience.  He has the energy, passion and ability to make a valuable addition to the ranks of trainers in Hong Kong.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity that the Licensing Committee has given me. Hong Kong sits at the pinnacle of racing, incredibly professional in any aspect, and now also has the fantastic facilities at Conghua.  It is a dream of mine to take the skills I have developed in New Zealand and bring them to bear fruits in that new environment.  I can’t wait to get started,” Mr Jamie Richards said.

Mr Tony Cruz

Having commenced training in Hong Kong during the 1996/1997 racing season, Mr Cruz has been crowned Champion Trainer on two occasions (2000, 2005) and has achieved great success along the way with horses such as SILENT WITNESS, CALIFORNIA MEMORY and EXULTANT.  In 24 of his 25 racing seasons as a trainer, Mr Cruz has been in the top five on the Trainers’ Premiership in respect of wins and/or prizemoney earned.  He was one of the original dual-site trainers when Conghua Racecourse opened in 2018 and has achieved significant success with his CRC-based horses since then.  His singular contribution to Hong Kong racing has been recognised by the Tony Cruz Award which is presented annually to the leading Hong Kong local rider who earns the most wins during the season.

“The granting of a licence for 2022/23 season recognises Tony’s ongoing substantial contribution to Hong Kong racing.  The Licensing Committee has decided to bring forward the granting of a licence for 2022/23 season to mid-season to give certainty to owners that he will continue to be available to them,” Mr Harding said.

Profile of Jamie Richards

Extension of Trainer’s Licence Beyond 65